Preserving capes/saddles

[blithfield2]

I have recently noticed that the skin at the rear of two capes has become dry and brittle, so much so, that the top of the capes have become detached.

My question is - is there anything I can use to stop this happening?

[ickypimp]

leave em on the bird and just take what you need ...

[arkle]

This happens quite often with dyed capes, especially Indian ones. Other than using some form of tanning liquid or perhaps a skin conditioning oil/cream not a lot. They use a very hot dye bath to get the colours to intensify, rather than using a cooler one with more time.

[ickypimp]

word to the wise.. if you start dubbing lotions into them you will end up with rancid filth in no time..

[darwin]

Originally Posted by ickypimp

leave em on the bird and just take what you need ...

Yep, Icky is back...

[roll cast]

Just use duck tape and stick the bits together.

[mick7662492]

I'v been told by a pro fly tyer who has literally hundreads of capes,some of which are ancient that rubbing a very small amount of olive oil into the skin keeps them supple. Haven't needed to try it yet though.

[flyfisherlady]

The problem with animal skins is that they actually need to be kept in relatively humid conditions otherwise they split quite easily. I can get the proper Relative Humidity figures for natural science collections at work tomorrow. (I work in a museum) In other words though don't place your capes and skins near a radiator or anywhere that can be too drying. This should help prevent splits in capes and skins. Oiling the back of the skins is a way of keeping moisture in. However, oils are also a food source for pests which tend to find fur and feathers totally yummy. So Keep checking your boxes. If you do feind moths, carpet beetles or other such pests, you should freeze your collection. Put in a selaed bag and put in the freezer for three days which should kill off any larvae.

If you are feeling really anal you can keep your feathers in air tight containers and use products such as absorb and silica gel to control the environment of your capes and feathers.

This is quite a good guide to preventative conservation of feathers.
http://www.bishopmuseum.org/research...v-feathers.pdf

[flytire]

i have capes that are 25+ years old and keep them in the original sealed packaging when not in use and then the package goes into a plastic shoe box container.

shoe box

http://www.plasticboxshop.co.uk/7lt-...hoes-559-p.asp