Tanning after non purposeful death?..

[OnTheBrightside]

Wasn't quite sure how to phrase that. But I raise Rex, and love the fur. I refuse to purposefully kill my rabbits for human use, though I've no problem with other people who do it, but I like to make use of animals once they die. So basically what I want to know is if it would be a problem to tan the hides of rabbits that die from other causes? As long as they are in good condition, that is.
Thanks in advance.

 

[toastedoat37]

what other causese do you have rabbits dieing from?,,,,I think it would depend what the animal died from.<br /><br />__________ Mon Jun 11, 2012 5:24 pm __________<br /><br />do you breed rabbits?

 

[MamaSheepdog]

So basically what I want to know is if it would be a problem to tan the hides of rabbits that die from other causes?

Sure, why not?

 

[OnTheBrightside]

MamaSheepdog, I thought the same thing but didn't know if maybe the rabbit was dead a few hours before you found it, overnight maybe, the hide wouldn't be the same as it is right after death. I really know nothing about this stuff. :b
And toastedoat: I don't normally have rabbits that die, but I do have some that I keep for a long time that die of old age, and very seldom young juniors from unknown causes. I guess it has to do with enteritis or something along those lines..
I have had a rabbit die of a heat stroke as well, and strangely from a cold snap a couple winters ago. The doe was a bit older though.

 

[trinityoaks]

If a rabbit dies of old age, its pelt won't be very good for tanning.

 

[Lastfling]

MamaSheepdog, I thought the same thing but didn't know if maybe the rabbit was dead a few hours before you found it, overnight maybe, the hide wouldn't be the same as it is right after death.

At worst the hair will slip due to bacteria/decay. At best you'll wind up with a tanned hide. The cause of death should not play a part. Just wear gloves when skinning.

 

[Shelbers91]

If the hide was ok you may have to store it cuz I think you usually tan multiple hides at once. I only have 4 do they are in storage