Beginner waterfowl taxidermy help.

[Caseyt98]

Hello everybody, I was just looking to maybe get some insight for what materials I would want to have on hand, and a few specific questions about sewing. So I started skinning birds my dad and I shot this year, I really wanna get decent at mounting them. I have three birds skinned as it is, sitting in freezer waiting for a part to show up so I can build my flesher. I was just wondering what the best needle/thread would be. I see a lot of people saying different things online and different groups I'm in on fb. I was going to start with a 1 7/8" glover needle... I have a little bit of clay, some cotton wrap and ordered eyes body and head from matuska. Any other insight would be greatly appreciated...

[Ricochet]

As far as thread goes, stay away from really fine thread, it will cut through the skin when you try to cinch up your stitches. For supplies, I always used Research Mannikins, out of Lebanon, Or. Great people to deal with and close to home.

[ASHQUACK]

I'll second Research Mannikins, also call down there and talk to them. Super friendly folks who are in the business of keeping taxidermists happy.

[furbearer365]

Research Mannikins are great, but i prefer McKenzie products. I use Research for all Blacktail forms because they have the biggest selection, and for mounting products such as clays, thread, glues, etc.  But Mckenzie gets the nod for forms, eyes, ears, etc