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Step 10Tail
Now that you've removed the hind legs you're on to the tail.
First you've got to carefully detach any other bits of connective tissue (for the elimination and reproductive systems) joining the body and the skin near the tail. Don't worry about this too much; just slowly work your way up from the stomach, gently but firmly pulling the skin away from the body. You can do this with your fingers (pinching at the skin and at the body before pulling) or with scissors.
Now the tail is the only hind-end connection between the body and pelt. The tail is basically a long skinny sock covering a long thin bony tail. When you get the knack of it, removing the tail skin is quick and easy. Roll the pelt back to gain good access to the tail, then hold at the folded edge of the tail skin and directly adjacent on the denuded tail. Carefully pull these two points apart, again gently but firmly. The tail may try to turn inside out like a sock; it this happens no worries, just don't let it go so far that you lose the tail tip within the roll or you'll get to have LOTS of fun turning it right-side out. Readjust your grip as necessary so your fingers are very close to each other when you pull the skin from the tail. If the skin turns inside-out you can pull it back on (like a sock, remember?) and re-pinch to include the loose skin.
At some point the tail skin should just pop loose and come off intact. When it happens you'll know.
Sorry about the lack of action shots; you'll have to imagine this one until I get the time to stuff another mouse. In the meantime, here's a picture of the tail sans fur.
First you've got to carefully detach any other bits of connective tissue (for the elimination and reproductive systems) joining the body and the skin near the tail. Don't worry about this too much; just slowly work your way up from the stomach, gently but firmly pulling the skin away from the body. You can do this with your fingers (pinching at the skin and at the body before pulling) or with scissors.
Now the tail is the only hind-end connection between the body and pelt. The tail is basically a long skinny sock covering a long thin bony tail. When you get the knack of it, removing the tail skin is quick and easy. Roll the pelt back to gain good access to the tail, then hold at the folded edge of the tail skin and directly adjacent on the denuded tail. Carefully pull these two points apart, again gently but firmly. The tail may try to turn inside out like a sock; it this happens no worries, just don't let it go so far that you lose the tail tip within the roll or you'll get to have LOTS of fun turning it right-side out. Readjust your grip as necessary so your fingers are very close to each other when you pull the skin from the tail. If the skin turns inside-out you can pull it back on (like a sock, remember?) and re-pinch to include the loose skin.
At some point the tail skin should just pop loose and come off intact. When it happens you'll know.
Sorry about the lack of action shots; you'll have to imagine this one until I get the time to stuff another mouse. In the meantime, here's a picture of the tail sans fur.
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Apr 9, 2009. 6:29 PMAcidmouth
says:
wow, wouldn't it be easier to just snip the tail off rather than "skinning" it? or does this method make for easier positioning. great, btw!
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May 7, 2009. 3:31 PMdogisdead
says:
Not snipping the tail off leaves the bone/flesh inside, which can rot. Plus, you can put wire/pipecleaner/whatever inside the tail to position it with just the skin
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