Today I found a perfect complete shell of a wood turtle out in the woods. Does anyone know a way to preserve it for educational purposes. I was thinking some sort of clear coat but I am not quite sure. any help appreciated.
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need help
tsmik2
Sep 11, 2008 01:37 PM
Replies (3)
zzzdanz
Sep 11, 2008 05:20 PM
I was just reading some stuff on google for this.Looks like they dry out and start to fall apart, so you have to basically take it apart and fiberglass the insides to hold it all together.I'm computer stupid or I'ld post a link for ya.
portsample
Sep 14, 2008 11:39 PM
I've used spar varnish to preserve mammal skulls, (domestic cats, raccoons, opossums, etc) and have had quite good luck w/these. Some of them I've had for more than 20 years. This seems to keep them from falling apart at the sutures (where the bony plates join), however I do suspect that the scutes may separate and pop off in time...if you are serious about preserving the shell I'd suggest contacting one of the curators at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. to see how they'd recommend doing this. My suggestion would be several coats of clear epoxy with a "top-coating" hardener..."West System" or "System 3" are both good and should hold everything together. GOOD LUCK
Katrina
Sep 25, 2008 11:23 PM
Be careful of your state regulations. In many states, a shell is considered the same thing as the live animal, as far as the possession regulations are concerned. If you're not allowed to have a live wood turtle (or not able to have one without proof of where it came from), then you're probably not allowed to have a "dead" one (the shell) either.
Katrina
