How to Care for a Squirrel Pelt

Squirrel pelts are often sold for profit

Once worn as a status symbol by aristocracy and dignitaries, squirrel pelts have a variety of uses for outerwear and trimming. Caring for squirrel pelts is especially important after skinning and before tanning. Storing, drying and stretching the pelt is of primary concern after the pelt is removed from the squirrel. Proper care in these stages determines the quality of the squirrel pelt, and whether it will be accepted by a fur trader.

Things You'll Need

• Squirrel pelt
• Stretching board
• Small nails
• Plastic bags
• Fur comb
• Water for washing
• Clean sawdust

Instructions

1. Wash the squirrel with water and allow the pelt to dry before properly skinning the squirrel.

2. Brush the pelt thoroughly using a fur comb (a regular or dog slicker brush is acceptable) before skinning the squirrel. Properly skin the squirrel after brushing.

3. Brush the squirrel pelt after it is removed. A thorough brushing process increases the value of squirrel pelts.

4. Roll the pelt nose to tail, place it in a plastic bag and freeze if you are going to stretch the pelt at a later time. Always allow pelts to thaw slowly to prevent damage. When the pelt is ready to be stretched, all flesh must be completely removed.

5. Stretch the squirrel pelt with the flesh side out. On a sufficiently-sized board, stretch the squirrel pelt out so it is taut, using small nails to hold it in place. Use enough nails to keep the pelt taut, but use as few as possible, as too many holes may affect the pelts value. The nails should be placed at extreme edges of the pelt, at the feet, for example

6. Dry the pelt thoroughly. Do not force-dry the pelt, but allow it to dry naturally outdoors and out of the sun -- or in a shed or other enclosed area. When the pelt is dry, brush it one more time and take it to a taxidermist or tanner to be tanned.

7. Maintain the pelt after tanning. Pelts may further harden after tanning, so apply a light amount of tanning oil as needed to maintain its softness. Also, lightly brushing it with a fur comb or dog slicker brush keeps the pelt clean and free of mats.

Tips & Warnings

• Sawdust may be used to clean an oily pelt after skinning. Completely cover the pelt with clean sawdust and brush the pelt out. The brushing motion causes the sawdust to absorb any grease and oil.

References

• Groenewold Fur & Wool Co.: Caring for your pelts
• Fur Commision: Fur Types In Brief
• Fur Harvesters: Pelt Handling PDF
• New Mexico State University; Tanning Deer Hides and Small Fur Skins; Jon Boren, et al.

Resources

• Squirrel Fur: Skin a Squirrel