rooster capes

[Hammer Bob]

I realize that most flytiers purchase rooster capes for tying their flies but this is a question of another sorts. I have a flock of bantam chickens around my place whose numbers need to be thinned. The roosters are going! I was wondering if anyone knows of a way to preserve the capes for fly tying purposes? The capes on these chickens are gorgeous and I always like to get all I can from an animal I slaughter for the table. Thanks for any info.

[Greg]

Bob, you can preserve those capes with plain old 20 Mule Team Borax. Taxidermists have used it for years on birds. Just remove the larger chunks of fat and membrane from the flesh side by rubbing the skin lightly from head to tail with a brass bristled brush, and rub the powdered borax into the skin side. In a few days, it will dry hard to about the consistency of thin cardboard. For a nicer smell, you may want to wash the skins in Dawn dishwashing detergent first. Let them drip dry (don't wring) and fluff the feathers with an air hose (or a hair dryer on low, too much heat will quickly cook the skin, and make it useless).
Greg