Vulture Culture How to Clean and Display bones
Table Of Contents
1. Getting Started....................................2
2. How to Clean your bones.....................7
3.How to Display your bones.................
4. Maps.........................................................13
1
GETTING STARTED
Vulture culture is a hobby based on the collection and preservation of animal remains. Unlike taxidermy, one doesn’t have to hunt or kill animals to participate. Often these remains are aquired by “scavenging” roadkill or animals that have died from natural causes. Although some may find this hobby gross or unsanitary, bones can be cleaned safely and in the comfort of your own yard.
2
VULTURE CULTURE There are only a few things needed to get started 1. 3% hydrogen peroxide 2. Water 3. A pot (only for bones!) 4. Fingernal brush or toothbrush 5. Platic gloves and plastic grocery bags 6. Outdoor heat source (camp fire, camping stove, etc)
3
GETTING STARTED
After some walking or hiking, you’re sure to find some bones. I like to bring a plastic grocery bag and plastic gloves for collecting specimines and taking them back to my apartment. As you’re walking keep an eye out for patches of fur on the ground, as there might be bones nearby. You also may find snake skin, hooves, antlers, and cool rocks.
4
VULTURE CULTURE
5
GETTING STARTED Next is the fun part, collecting the bones. Here in southern Utah, there are many hiking spots I like to visit in the canyon as well as the desert. In these enviornments, it’s vey common to come across deer remains, and occasionally smaller mamals and reptiles. Specifically in the desert, natural scavengers and the sun have done most of the work. Bones with little or no flesh left are the easiest to clean and what I’ll be giving instructions for. SEE END OF BOOK FOR MY FAVORITE TRAILS
6
VULTURE CULTURE Now that you have your bones, it’s time to clean them. I recommend doing this part outside, as it can smell pretty bad, expecially if you have a small kitchen like I do. I have done this over a campfire before, but the easiest way I’ve found to do this is with a portable propane camping stovetop. Get out your pot that is dedicated to cleaning bones. I got a big one at a thrift store and wrote “Bone Pot” on it so I know I won’t use it for cooking.
7
Cleaning In the pot, mix one part water and one part 3% hydrogen peroxide and bring to a boil. Place the bones you’ve collected in the pot. The time they need to boil varries on the stage of decay. Check on the bones every 20 minutes or so, and remove when they reach your desired brightness and there is little to no debris left on them.
8
VULTURE CULTURE If you notice there are bits of flesh or cartilage that won’t come off from just the water, remove them from the pot with a pair of tongs. Gently brush off anything that may be stuck and continue to boil.
9
Cleaning
Once you’re happy with the appearance of the bones you’ve collected, Rinse them in cold water and let them air dry. For a brighter white look. leave them outside somewhere were they will get lots of sun, and the sun will further the bleaching progress.
10
VULTURE CULTURE
Now that you have clean bones, there are countless ways to decorate and display them. Without any more effort, they look beautiful in gardens or on shelves. I like to display them along with my books or an insense burner
11
Displaying
Another way to display your bones is to crystalize them with borax. This reqires a box of borax, twine or dental floss, water, and food coloring is optional. Smaller bones will only need one box, but for a bigger bone (like a deer skull) will require two. Step 1:Boil the water in your bone pot, pour the borax and food coloring into the water and stir until fully dissolved. Step 2: Using a stick and dental floss, suspend the specimin in the mixture, and make sure it’s not touching the bottom or the sides. Only the portion of the bone in the mixture will develop crystals, so you can do it completly submerge it or only partially. Step 2: Leave overnight or until you’re happy with the crystal growth. For thicker crystals, create another batch of the borax water solution and soak for another night.
12
VULTURE CULTURE
Remember as you’re scavenging that you are a guest in the animal’s homes, and to not disturb anything living. Most importantly, get out and enjoy what mother nature has to offer.
13
Maps
14
A comprehensive guide to collecting, cleaning, and displaying bones. Easy to understand and with step by step instructions, this is perfect for first time scavengers and anyone who loves nature