Preserving a shell

[FrancisDinoQ]

I searched high and low on how to preserve my baby Francis's shell he passed way last night I think he may have swallowed something toxic the vet was not at all helpful I feel so I brought him home n he passed away few hours later im so heart broken he was my baby . Ok I want to know if any of u know how to preserve a torts shell? I dont want to disect him no way in hell I have to much respect for him to do that. I live in an apartment so I cant bury him anywhere. Does anyone know if I put sand or dirt in a plastic container with a lid taped up would he decompose in it and his shell left undamaged? I know it sounds weird but having his shell means so much to me.

 

[Yvonne G]

The problem in preserving a shell INTACT is moisture. In order for everything to stay together...for the scutes (keratin) not to fall off...you have to keep it very dry. The best thing

warning - graphic


in trying to preserve a shell is to cut out a leg, then scoop out all the insides. This gets rid of the moisture right away. Once it is cleaned, you can shellac it or varnish it or whatever. But if you put it on the roof, or in the ground, for nature to take its course, eventually the scute keratin material will fall off.

 

[jaizei]

If it means that much to you, you could always go the professional route and go to a taxidermist.

 

[fbsmith3]

I am so sorry for your loss.

Yes, a Taxidermist would be your best route. Just ask to see their work. I know nothing about taxidermy, but I hear that preserving fish is very difficult, so if they has some good work in fish you should be safe.

Just trying to help.

 

[babylove6635]

ive heard if you shlack it then put in with flesh eatting beattles. i thought about doing that too but didnt. best of luck to you and so sorry for your loss.

oh and when they do fish its they are painted to finish making them look like real

 

[ascott]

I am so sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.

I know you say that you live in an apartment, so I would strongly suggest against burying him in a container...there is no way to tactfully say this....turtle/tortoise have a very strong smell when the fleshy part of their body begin to decompose..I would not want one of your neighbors calling the cops on you thinking you are a slasher or something....

If you have a friend or family member that has a piece of property it would be best if you simply bury your little one and mark where he is at and then check back on him this time next year (this will safely allow time for nature and her critters to do their thing and leave you a much better situation to deal with, less emotional)....IMHO

 

[GBtortoises]

Realistically-You're going to need to remove all tissue-skin and internal organs. The bones come with them. Scrub the shell carefully inside and out with a soft bristle brush, mild soap and water until everything is gone except the shell structure. Then it can be air dried or to speed the process up, with a heat gun on low or a hair dryer. Then spray with thoroughly inside and out with up to three coats of clear lacquer. I've done shells in that same manner over the years.