Pipedream Farm Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Renee and I have laid out 2 pelts on boards, cleaned them up (removed meat and fat), and heavily salted the skins. The wool is quite wet from the butcher and we were wondering if/when we should move the pelts onto something more open underneath so that the wool can dry. Also should we be concerned about hanging the pelts to dry because of stretching the skins? Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deacon Dog Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Never done it myself, but every time I've seen pelts getting ready to ship to the tannery they're laying flat on wire panels raised above the ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 I'd be very careful about wire panels because the combination of salt and water coming off the pelts might cause the panels to rust, and result in rust stains on the fleeces. I'll ask Ed tonight - he did quite a bit of tanning when he was younger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Mark - I just talked to a friend who has shipped many pelts for processing over the years. If the wool was wet, he put the salted pelt where it could get good air flow, often draping it over a sawhorse (didn't ask which side out, but I'm assuming the wet wool would face out). Even a day of drying in good conditions would be helpful, and a well-placed fan could really speed things up without heat or overly drying the hide. If and when the wool was sufficiently dry, he would roll the pelts in burlap (not plastic) and ship them. We have a number of examples of his product and we are pleased with them. There's nothing nicer than a nice fleece on a chair (especially at a chilly trial). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trailrider Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 For years I have placed the pelts on welded wire so that the wool could dry and stay dry. Rub the salt into the skin, but leave the wool and skin open to the air. Very little salt will get into the wool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miztiki Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 I've still got the hide from the cow we butchered. It's in the freezer until I know what to do with it. What keywords would I use in a search to learn of the different things I could do with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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