Thread: Taxidermy forms

Ive been down that rabbithole myself, but figured premade forms would be really expensive (it is a niche skill to make them) to get here so didnt dig into it too much. The united states have such a huge variety to choose from from Mckenzie taxidermy supply. I think that company supplies most premade forms.

Some people online also make original foam forms and sell them. e.g. https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/1141713330

When i gave taxidermy a go I ended up building the base on my own by carving foam, which is quite difficult without sculping or carving experience.

One of my friends used to make costumes, and a head would be sculpted from clay, which would then serve as a base for making a fibreglass or resin shell. This shell can then be used to mold many foam forms.

I found a video on youtube of a New Zealand taxidermist doing a Tahr, not sure if they made the foam base themselves or purchased it from elsewhere. Maybe it is an industry secret! Could ask them. I know some other taxidermists make their own foam molds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pu_mvFlZpQ

New Zealand Taxidermy supply facebook page shows some premade forms for birds, not sure if they have larger ones for bigger game. Could ask them too.
https://www.facebook.com/New-Zealand...91315485599926

Originally Posted by JessicaChen

Ive been down that rabbithole myself, but figured premade forms would be really expensive (it is a niche skill to make them) to get here so didnt dig into it too much. The united states have such a huge variety to choose from from Mckenzie taxidermy supply. I think that company supplies most premade forms.

Some people online also make original foam forms and sell them. e.g. https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/1141713330

When i gave taxidermy a go I ended up building the base on my own by carving foam, which is quite difficult without sculping or carving experience.

One of my friends used to make costumes, and a head would be sculpted from clay, which would then serve as a base for making a fibreglass or resin shell. This shell can then be used to mold many foam forms.

I found a video on youtube of a New Zealand taxidermist doing a Tahr, not sure if they made the foam base themselves or purchased it from elsewhere. Maybe it is an industry secret! Could ask them. I know some other taxidermists make their own foam molds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pu_mvFlZpQ

New Zealand Taxidermy supply facebook page shows some premade forms for birds, not sure if they have larger ones for bigger game. Could ask them too.
https://www.facebook.com/New-Zealand...91315485599926

Thanks @JessicaChen! I have also looked at forms from overseas, but due to the size, shipping will be a killer. I think carving might be outside my skill level, however practice makes perfect. Maybe I’ll buy a block of foam and get practicing. Making a mould once the form has been perfected is a great idea!

The video of the Thar is great thanks! I had not seen this video. I’ll flick them a message as well as New Zealand Taxidermy Supply.