The best way to get your bird to your taxidermist is by removing the tail. It is really the only thing that cannot be fixed if the feathers break. You remove the tail by looking for the oil glands in front of the tail. You will have your fan and one set of smaller feathers in front of the main fan. When you find the oil gland I always cut my out. I usually take the oil from the gland and rub it on extra sets of spurs as it is really a nice oil. Back to cutting the tail off. When you find the area where the glad is you take a sharp knife and cut as close to the quills without cutting through them. Once you get to the bottom turn your knife towards the rear of the bird and remove the tail leaving the butt feathers intact. So all you will have is the fan and the first set of feathers in front of fan. Close it up and put it in a plastic bag. I usually stick toilet paper in the mouth so blood does not get on feathers as it is hard to get off even in the process of cleaning. Never pick your bird up by the neck you intend to mount. Also when you are transporting your bird try to lay it on the breast. When shipping or freezing your bird put it in a big plastic bag with the head tucked under it's wing. Taxidermist are miracle workers but the better you take care of your bird before you take your bird to him the better it will turn out.
MIke
