Beetles

[Fishhunt223]

Does anybody on here have beetles near Wenatchee.  I just did away with mine for a while because I am moving to the coast and I know of a few customers that want some skulls cleaned somewhere close to home.  Let me know if you have them, where you are at, and your contact info and I will pass it on.  Thanks.
Travis

[Fishhunt223]

Anybody else have beetles in Washington that would be interested in some extra work?
Travis

[cackle]

http://www.filmfxhydrographics.com/

[Jamieb]

I havent had Jim do any skulls for me but I've seen a few he's done and they turned out great.

I've heard of some problems useing Hackiewicz so I'm changeing my post

[LongTatLaw]

http://cgi.ebay.com/2000-Dermestid-beetles-taxidermy-kit_W0QQitemZ140238918700QQihZ004QQcategoryZ71130QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Fishhunt223]

KillyBilly has me taken care of.  Thanks though.  I will be getting more in a while but I have got to get settled into the rainy part of the state first.
Travis

[billythekidrock]

I know Jim Hackiewicz has beetles, he's in WalaWala fakawe@gmail.com

I havent had Jim do any skulls for me but I've seen a few he's done and they turned out great.

I tried to have him do a bear skull for me a few years ago but he was unreliable and intermittent in his email replies. So I had Killbilly do it.
 I also tried to talk about bear with him but he couldn't get his swollen head into the chat room.

[Jamieb]

One of the guys I work with told me a story about on going problems he's having dealing with Jim Hackiewicz over a bear skull.  I wont be using him or recommending him.

[boneaddict]

I just bought a batch of beetles from the guy.  I will let you guys know how it turns out.  Not sure how I am going to keep them yet.  This could be interesting.

[robodad]

Not sure how I am going to keep them yet.  This could be interesting.

Just threaten to feed the escapees to the phesants and they should stay put !! 

[boneaddict]

    At this point pheasants will probably be what I will be feeding to them.

[boneaddict]

actually I am thinking abou tseeing what they would do to a full grown pheasant, then put the bones together for a science project with the girls.  That might be cool.

[robodad]

actually I am thinking abou tseeing what they would do to a full grown pheasant, then put the bones together for a science project with the girls.  That might be cool.

A 3D puzzle huh !!

Sounds like a project to post in here in stages of coarse, It would be neat to see that for sure !!

[Fishhunt223]

actually I am thinking abou tseeing what they would do to a full grown pheasant, then put the bones together for a science project with the girls.  That might be cool.

Beetles are great for cleaning small skeletons because they will eat the muscle first, then the tendons, and then the cartilage and bone.  If you watch them closely, you can see when they finish the muscle and take your skeleton out.  You will then have an articulated skeleton that just needs to be degreased and whitened.
Travis

[billythekidrock]

actually I am thinking abou tseeing what they would do to a full grown pheasant, then put the bones together for a science project with the girls.  That might be cool.

I am sure I am preaching to the choir but make sure they do not escape near your taxi projects. They will devour everything..oh yea, and take a ton of pics of your pheasant project.

[boneaddict]

Nothing like introducing a new predator to the Wenas.    Actually Billy, I hadn't given it that much thought.  I am trying to figure out where I can store them without the wife having a cow and them not burn up or freeze to death.

I'll stick them in the middle of my chicken coop so if one escapes hes in trouble.

[bucklucky]

Make sure to put them in a slick sided container like a glass aquarium and make sure if there is calk in the corners to remove it. They cant climb up slick surfaces like glass or plexi-glass.

[boneaddict]

DO they fly at all?

[billythekidrock]

DO they fly at all?

Yes, when they reach their last stage they can fly a bit. You will want a screen to cover the top.

[boneaddict]

I'm surprised the game department allows this.  I could definately see me introducing a new species into the Wenas Valley.    Thank God I only ordered a small batch versus the 2000 package. 

[bucklucky]

If the temperature raises above 80 degrees they can really get motivated to fly. I keep mine around 70. Just like billy said put a lid on them with a screen . Remember you dont want any foreign insects to get in there either, especially flies. Keep them misted with water once a week and fed .

[boneaddict]

What do you do with yours in the winter?  Obviously you aren't as cold as I am but wondering....I assume they stink.

[bucklucky]

I built a plywood box and put a electric heater in it set at 70. Kept them nice and warm through our winter. Would probably work better if you insulated it. I put a door in the front for access to the beattles. Yes they do stink.

[boneaddict]

Do you know about light...do they have to be in the dark to work.......

[robodad]

Hey Bone,

I have "Beetles & Bones" by Rob Graves, I'll send it to you if you want to read it ??

[boneaddict]

SURE!   Pm sent

[bucklucky]

They work best in the dark.

[Michelle_Nelson]

Bone when I get home later this evening I will dig up some info on beetles for you. 

[KillBilly]

In reality, they are not new almost anywhere. They appear at a carcass approx 5 days after death. There are a large variety of Dermestidae. Some of the are not even considered flesh eaters.

So, thew only areas that they may exist would be in areas where the temperature is constantly below 30 degrees Centigrade.

Moisture/mildew is very harmful to a colony. Be careful try to dry all items before putting it into their enclosure. They should live quite well in newspaper clippings. You should try and mist them with water every day or every other day. You will see them come from under the paper to take moisture off of the paper.

[popeshawnpaul]

I heard they are really stinky Bone.  Your wife must really love you or something.  I have heard they will eat up your taxidermy...

I use Superior Skulls in Snoqualmie.  She does a great job and no mess for me.  

[boneaddict]

I didn't ask.  I did mention it to her this morning and she said that I wasn't keeping them in the house.  No problem dear, I didn't intend too.

[bucklucky]

I was told once a week watering them is all that is necesary,that was from the guy I purchased them from, too much will create mold and mildew. Put the bones and skulls on a paper plate to keep any moisture from getting into the fras. Dont over dry the bones for they dont seem to like jerky as well as moist meat.

 How big is your colony KillBilly? How long you had them?