Information AboutMaceration (bone) |
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This method is an alternative to the '' Dermestes '' ( Skin Beetle s) method. That method is advised for small Mammal s (bats, rodents,...), small Bird s, snakes and other Reptile s, and Amphibian s, because these animals' bones tend to fall apart in many tiny parts. Maceration is nearly always the best and cheapest method when cleaning a single Skull . Fish should not be macerated, because of their poorly articulated, pliable skeleton. The corpse first needs to be skinned and defleshed as much as possible. All internal organs must be removed. In the case of mammals, care needs to be taken when removing the eyeballs, ears and jugular muscles, because some bones are shallow and brittle, for instance the thickened external acoustic opening of many mammals. The tongue should not be cut, because of the Tongue and Hyoid Bone s. A good tip is keeping the severed animal remains in several nylon panty hoses, for the legs, for the head ''etc.''. Lipid s and Fatty Acid s in the bone and in the Fat Tissue s tend to stain the bone brown. The process itself is very simple. Put water (not warmer than 50 °C) in a bucket, facultatively add some Washing Powder with Enzyme s (like Biotex), as it will soften the tissue (but take care with nails, as these are softened). A mild Detergent or Emulsifier can be used to remove fatty acids from the bone. Put the animal remains in the bucket, and close the lid. Bacteria will automatically start converting the flesh to their nutrients, and will continue to do so as long as the temperature remains constant. After two days the water needs to be replenished partially, to maintain the bacteria. This is a good time to further cut away flesh if needed. If left complete, most medium sized animals (like Dog s) are macerated after ten days. When done with macerating or using ''Dermestes'' beetles Biotex can be used again to whiten the bone, but care should be taken not to use too much, because the Perchlorate can destroy the bone. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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