Safe handling of taxidermy and natural history mounts

Why Taxidermy and Natural History Mounts Need Special Care

Taxidermy and natural history mounts are remarkable, but they are also fragile. Feathers, fur, and bone react to dust, pests, and changes in temperature and humidity. Unlike ceramics or metal, these are organic materials that can deteriorate quietly. With a few gentle habits, you can keep your collection looking splendid for decades. This guide covers safe handling, cleaning, and storage—practical steps that respect both the specimen and your peace of mind.

Gentle Dusting: Tools and Techniques

Dust dulls feathers, mats fur, and attracts pests. Never use a feather duster or household spray. Think like a conservator: slow, soft, and deliberate.

• Soft brushes: Use a clean artist's brush to flick dust from fur and feathers. Work in the direction the hair or feather lies.
• Bulb blowers: For delicate feathers and skeletal parts, a rubber bulb blower (for camera cleaning) gives a puff of air without contact. Keep it a few centimetres away.
• Low-suction vacuum: For larger mounts, use a vacuum with variable suction and a micro-attachment, but cover the nozzle with gauze. Never let it touch the specimen.
• No water or solvents: Water warps feathers and encourages mould; solvents strip natural oils. If a stain appears, consult a conservator.

Dust in a well-ventilated room, away from draughts. Clean one piece at a time, and wash your hands afterwards.

Pest Monitoring: Small Signs, Big Trouble

Carpet beetles, clothes moths, and wood-boring insects feast on fur, feathers, and wooden bases. You won't always see adults, but you will see evidence.

• Frass: Fine, sawdust-like powder beneath a mount signals woodworm or beetle larvae.
• Cast skins: Carpet beetle larvae leave hairy, brownish skins as they moult.
• Damaged feathers or fur: Look for bald patches, broken quills, or tiny holes. Moth larvae leave a "shaved" look.
• Sticky traps: Place non-toxic traps near but not touching mounts. Check monthly for early warning.

If you spot live insects, isolate the piece in a sealed polythene bag. Do not spray insecticide. Seek advice from a natural history conservator, who may recommend controlled freezing or anoxia. Prevention: keep display areas clean, avoid cardboard boxes, and inspect new acquisitions.

Climate Control: Temperature, Humidity, and Light

Organic materials expand and contract with moisture. Rapid swings cause feathers to curl, fur to shed, and bone to crack. Aim for stability.

• Relative humidity: 45–55% is ideal. Below 40% makes feathers brittle; above 65% invites mould.
• Temperature: Keep cool and consistent—16–20°C. Avoid radiators, stoves, and overheating conservatories.
• Light: UV fades fur and feathers. Use blinds, UV-filtering film, or display cases. Rotate pieces on open display.
• Air movement: Good circulation prevents mould, but avoid direct draughts that deposit dust.

Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity. In dry winters, a room humidifier helps—but keep it away from mounts. In damp areas, a dehumidifier set to 50% is wise. Never place mounts against external walls.

Safe Handling and Moving of Mounts

Most damage happens during moves. A wing caught on a sleeve, a tail knocked against a doorframe—these are avoidable.

• Wear nitrile gloves: Skin oils attract dirt and pests. Gloves also protect you from residual preservatives.
• Support the base: Lift by the base or armature, never by a wing, leg, tail, or head. For large pieces, use two people.
• Clear the path: Remove obstacles, close out pets and children, and wear close-fitting clothing without dangling jewellery.
• Use a padded surface: Set mounts down on a clean, padded table or foam. Never slide them across hard surfaces.
• Transport carefully: Use a sturdy tray or box lined with acid-free tissue. Pad all around and keep upright if possible.

For fragile pieces with loose bones or trailing plumage, make a custom support from ethafoam or plastazote. These inert foams are gentle and can be carved to fit.

Display, Storage, and When to Seek Expert Help

Display and storage matter as much as cleaning. For open display, choose a spot with stable conditions, away from busy walkways. A glass case is ideal for delicate feathers, keeping dust and pests out. If using open shelving, add a dust sheet above—but ensure air circulates.

For storage, wrap mounts in acid-free tissue and place in sturdy, airtight boxes. Add a small bag of silica gel, replacing it regularly. Keep boxes in a cool, dark, dry cupboard—not a loft, cellar, or garage. Check every six months for pests or mould.

Finally, know your limits. If a mount has loose parts, active pests, or mould, don't fix it yourself. A professional conservator can stabilise it with reversible, conservation-grade materials. Your collection is a joy—and with these gentle habits, it will remain so for generations.