ETHICS & CARE SHEETS
OUR
Ethics
1. How do you you source your insects?
The term “ethical” can be subjective, however generally in the case of taxidermy it refers to specimens which are not caught and killed for the sole purpose of taxidermy.
Most of my specimens are sourced from breeders from around the world as well as conservation projects, meaning there is little to no environmental impact.
In some cases, they are also sourced from my own personal collection/rearing and from within the pet trade (pets that have died). I do not personally kill my specimens and any from my own collection have died of natural deaths.
None are sourced for the sole purpose of my products or taxidermy.
2. How do you source your skulls/bones?
All are sourced cruelty free, ethically and are from natural deaths or in some instances road kill.
As well as going on daily nature walks with the dog where on occasion I may find deceased animals and their remains.
We source from other like minded vulture people who have the same values as us. Some also come from farm animals.
None are sourced for the sole purpose of my products or taxidermy.
3. How do you source your wet specimen animals?
The reptiles I use for my wet specimens are sourced from within the pet trade. These have all died of natural causes and are never killed.
Other animals I use such as mammals are sourced from places like road kill or unfortunate deaths during breeding/pregnancy, as well as old age pets and farms.
As with our other specimens, they are never killed for purpose of my work or taxidermy.
Ethically sourced, cruelty free taxidermy and entomology
OUR
Care Sheets
Wet Specimens
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All my wet specimens are professionally fixed with Formlin before being transferred to alcohol.
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Specimens can be filled with 70% Isopropyl (Rubbing Alcohol) or 70% Ethanol (Surgical Spirit). This can be purchased online from websites such as eBay or Amazon but I also recommend APC Pure.
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When buying Isopropyl online, do check beforehand if the liquid is clear. These chemicals are also used for cleaning which means some sellers add coloured dye.
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Keep all specimens away from naked flames and out of direct sunlight.
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Overtime the liquid may discolour and go yellow, this happens more with mammals than reptiles and is usually most likely to happen in the specimens first year. Its perfectly normal and can be left or you can change the liquid out for fresh. Specimens may also require to be topped up over time.
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If you are topping up the alcohol, please make sure you use the same alcohol and do not mix Ethanol and Isopropyl. If you want to change from Ethanol to Isopropyl and vice versa, empty completely, wash with distilled water and refill. Distilled water can be bought online and is usually £1-2 per litre.
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If you have bought a globe from us and noticed it has leaked, please check you haven’t put it somewhere where the temperatures change rapidly such as above a radiator as this will cause the rubber bung and the liquid to expand. To stop it leaking, take the bung out, top up if required, dry the bung off and reinsert.
Taxidermy
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It's generally recommended that once every 6 months you should spray your taxidermy items with protector spray as this helps protect against pest damage like mites and moths. All items are treated when been mounted, however its good practice to retreat. Protector sprays can be purchase online. Please read and follow the instructions provided by the product manufacturer.
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Avoid displaying in direct sunlight, this can cause damage and sun bleaching to the fur/feathers.
Frames/Displays
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Keep in a dry non humid areas. Rooms such a bathrooms are never recommended. Please avoid hanging frames above radiators or plants that need lots of moisture.
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Glass cleaner can be used to clean frames and domes.
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Keep out of direct sunlight - this can cause the colours of the insects within the piece to become damaged and sun bleached.
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Domes are not sealed at the base so be careful when moving any pieces
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If moving home, avoid leaving any taxidermy boxed up for long periods of time and try not to store in outbuildings or attics. This is due to the risk of moisture build up and insects.
Resin
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If your item comes into regular contact with smoke it can yellow. However, some of our smoking resin jewellery clients have worn their pieces for years without discolouration.
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Avoid exposing your jewellery to harsh chemicals and cleaning products. This includes perfume, hair spray, cleaning solutions, nail polish remover, antibacterial hand sanitiser etc. Harsh solvents can react with the epoxy and cause it to become scaly, yellow, chip or break down completely.
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If you need to clean your jewellery use warm water, washing up liquid and a soft cloth but avoid leaving submerged in water for long periods of time.
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We recommend you remove resin jewellery when showering, swimming and putting perfume on.
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We use high quality UV resistant resin, therefore it shouldn’t yellow when left exposed to the sun but we still recommend you avoid leaving your pieces on windowsills etc.
