tanning hides

skyfish

I ran across an article wherein the fellow used Fels-Naptha to tan deer hides, both hair on and hair off. He did this in 1980 and the hides are still in excellent condition according to him. Has anyone here heard of this, seen it done or been involved directly with this process? Sure seems simple and for darn sure cheap. I realize there is a great deal of work that goes with tanning but this piqued my curiosity.

skyfish

My son has been breeding rabbits for a while, some pure-breed, some cross-breed for cheap pets or meat. I've thought of trying to tan some of the hides. Never done that, any experts out there. Materials needed, places to get supplies and tips on doing the tanning. I have to say, domestic rabbit is soo much better than wild rabbit, for eating that is.

n/a

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Modern-Homesteading/1983-01-01/How-To-Tan-Rabbit-Hides.aspx

Johnnylikesguns

quote:Originally posted by skyfish
My son has been breeding rabbits for a while,



I caught the neighbor kid trying to do the same thing!

wsfiredude

originally posted by skyfish:

tanning hides

I'll ask my Dad about it. Between my brother and I, he has tons of experience.

v35

That was one of my father's favorite expressions.
The other one was; "I'll box your ears."

46270

if you want, I have a copy of a usda book on tanning.
if you want it drop me aline, I'll give you my address.

allen griggs

I have tanned four deer hides.
I didn't tan the fifth one.
It is a lot of work, working and breaking the hide, while you work oil into it.
I now send my deer hides off to get tanned.
A bunny hide would probably be a lot easier to tan, the skin is thinner and the hide is so much smaller.
Good luck!
I have eaten domestic rabbit, it is delicious!