Introduction to Preserving a Snake Shed
Snake shedding, known as ecdysis, is a fascinating natural process where a snake periodically sheds its old skin. Preserving this shed skin can be a unique way to appreciate the beauty of snakes and can serve as an educational tool or a keepsake. The steps to properly preserve a snake shed include preparation, cleaning, flattening, and storage or display.
Step 1: Preparation
Before you start, gather all the necessary materials. You will need:
- A clean work surface.
- Clear, non-yellowing glue or a mixture of glycerin and water.
- Two large pieces of wax paper or parchment paper.
- Heavy books or a roller.
- A framing mat or display box for long-term display, if desired.
Locate the snake shed and ensure it is complete. Gently unfurl any curled or rolled edges with your hands.
Step 2: Cleaning the Shed
Place the shed on the clean work surface and inspect it for any dirt or substrate from the snake’s environment. You can use a soft brush or tweezers to remove any particles. If the shed is dirty, you may gently rinse it under lukewarm running water. After rinsing, carefully pat the shed dry with a soft towel.
Step 3: Flattening and Preserving
Next, prepare your preservative solution. If you’re using glue, dilute it with water until it’s thin enough to spread easily. If you’re using the glycerin method, mix one part glycerin with two parts water. Here’s how to flatten and preserve the shed:
- Lay out a piece of wax paper on your work surface.
- Gently place the snake shed on top of the wax paper.
- Carefully apply the preservative solution to the shed using a soft brush, ensuring that the entire shed is coated evenly.
- Once the shed is coated, place the second piece of wax paper over the top of the shed, sandwiching it between the two pieces of paper.
- Gently smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles with your hands or a roller.
- Place heavy books on top of the wax paper to press the shed flat. Leave the shed under the weight for at least 24 hours, or until it is completely dry.
Step 4: Storing or Displaying the Preserved Shed
After the shed is dry, it will have taken on a more flattened shape and be better preserved for handling. At this point, you can either store or display the skin. For storage, keep the skin flat in a folder or between sheets of tissue paper in a dry place. For display, consider framing the shed under glass or in a shadow box. Ensure that you display the skin out of direct sunlight to prevent fading or deterioration.
Conclusion
Preserving a snake shed can be a straightforward process if executed with care. By following these steps, you can preserve the delicate beauty of a snake’s shed skin for many years. Make sure to handle the skin gently throughout this process to maintain its intricate patterns and detail.
Remember that for a successful preservation, the key is a clean environment, gentle handling, proper preservative application, and patience during drying. Enjoy your preserved piece of natural art!