u/wumpflumpit

I just finished my first-ever taxidermy project (a feeder rat) and it was a total disaster. Everything seemed okay until right before stitching, when the fur started slipping in clumps. I'm pretty sure I just didn't preserve the skin fast enough and rot set in.

My "Failure" Process:
Thawed at room temp.
Skinned and rubbed with borax substitute.
Soaked in 95% ethanol for 40 mins (I think this killed it).
Mounted on a wood wool/stuffing form.
Bald, slimy mess, fur coming out!

I’m determined to get it right this time. Based on some initial research, I’ve refined my workflow.

To the pros: does this look solid for a small rodent?

1. Cold Thaw:
   Partially thaw in cold salt water

2. Skin & Degrease:
   Skin while cold, then soak in cold water + dish soap for 20 mins.

3. Salt:
   Pack in sea salt for 12–24 hours to draw out moisture.

4. Pickle: 24 hours in a citric acid solution.

5. Tan: 24–48 hours in an aluminum sulphate bath.

6. Neutralise: Baking soda and water bath.

7. Break: Massage the skin as it dries to keep it supple

A few specific questions:
Is aluminium sulphate overkill for a rat, borax isn’t available in my country hence why I originally used substitute
Are my timings for the pickle and tan stages right for skin this thin?
Any tips for preventing "slipping"

I actually loved the process even though the result was a nightmare. Really appreciate any tips to help me avoid another disaster!

Hey everyone,
I’m trying to find a tent for me and my wife for stealth camping in the UK, and honestly it’s proving way harder than expected.
What I’m looking for:
Earth tone colour (dark green / brown / something that actually blends in)
Enough space for 2 people (not “2-person but really 1.5”)
Lightweight enough for backpacking / trekking
Decent in typical UK conditions (wind + rain)
The hardest part: I’m 6’3” (190cm), so most tents are just too short or I end up touching both ends which is a nightmare with condensation.
Ideally looking for something low-profile / not super bright, but still practical for real hiking — not just bushcraft setups that only work in perfect conditions.
Budget isn’t huge either, so trying to keep it reasonable.
If anyone tall has actually found something that works (especially in the UK), I’d really appreciate recommendations 🙏

Hey, looking for some recommendations from people with actual experience.

I’m after a stealthy 2-man tent (green or camo ideally) that’s:
Ultralight (around 1–2kg ideally)
Good for backpacking / wild camping
Long enough for a 6’3 guy (this is the main issue I keep running into)
Won’t completely destroy my bank account
I don’t mind going slightly over 2kg if it’s worth it, but trying to keep things fairly light.

Trekking pole tents
Low-profile tunnel tents (for stealth)
Anything that blends in well (don’t want bright orange/white)