Making Wet Specimens

Wet specimens are common in learning centers, school, and museums so why not have your own science display? Learn how to make your very own! This techinque can be used to preserve beloved pets who pass away or be a science display. No animals were harmed to make this video because they were already dead when I found them. It's amazing how easy it is to find dead animals when you're looking for them, especially when you live out in the country like we do.
Specimens:
Rat
Eastern Mole ("Common Mole")
Mouse
Octopus
Materials:
Formalin
Respirator (if not in a really well ventilated room, or outside)
Gloves
Goggles
Needle and Syringe
Glass jar (with a complete seal is ideal but not necessary)
70% Isopropyl alcohol
Puppy pee pad
Distilled water
Coffee filter (to strain used formalin so it can be stored for a second use)
Video Tutorial that I followed:
How to Make Wet Specimens! My Entire Process by E's Refurbished Creatures
• Video
Professional Taxidermy Teacher: Mickey Alice Kwapis
Wet Specimens: A General Guide
mickeyalicekwapis.com/blog/20...
Here is a list of rules about animal parts and their laws:
thegreenwolf.com/animal-parts-...
Items in our Science Cabinet Display:
Marimo Moss Ball (living)
Forest moss (living)
Our new wet specimens
Bug collection (see my "Making a Bug Collection in Resin" video)
Glass jellyfish (blown glass only, no real animal, even glows in the dark!)
Seashells
Salt rocks
Meteorite fragment
Say hi to me!
Facebook:
/ the-little-black-shade...
Instagram:
/ thelittleblackshadetree
About Me:
My name is Shelly and I'd love for you to join my unique DIY projects and farm animal fun! I make crazy cakes, creative DIY projects, science experiments with my 3 kids, and having fun with all the animals on our farm.
The name "ShadeTree" comes from "shadetree mechanic" or a "Do-It-Yourself-er". I'm passionate about life-long learning and empowering others to do-it-themselves too!
Subscribe now to jump in on all my DIY projects and farm fun!
Music:
------------------------------
Skyline by MusicbyAden / musicbyaden
Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported - CC BY-SA 3.0
Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/skyline-musicbyaden
Music promoted by Audio Library • Skyline - MusicbyAden ...
------------------------------
#thelittleblackshadetree

[@Princess_Shanie]

This came at the PERFECT time!! We found two baby bunnies that were killed, and I want to preserve them this way! one looks so so so perfect. I've been looking into it for a long time actually, haha! : ) Thank you for such a good educational tutorial!!!!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Shan Spell Thank you so much! I’m glad it was helpful and good luck preserving your little baby bunnies!

[@apricxtt]

Would this work with a newborn human?

[@megh9605]

So glad I found this video! Very easy to follow and I can't wait to get started! I have a little bird in my freezer, that hit a window and died... im wondering how thawed it will need to be to inject and then to position it in the jar?

[@rayangarrett8016]

Sorry to be offtopic but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my login password. I would love any tips you can offer me!

[@drewsam6387]

@Rayan Garrett instablaster ;)

[@e.r0r745]

My 3rd grade teacher had a goats brain in a jar on her desk. Just a goat brain, that was also juicy. And near the end of the year a teacher accidentally knocked it over in all the goat brain juice went on the floor.

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

No way! Ha ha ha! That is the coolest and funniest story. Thanks for sharing!

[@Randomdudefromtheinternet]

F

[@functioningflesh]

Cool

[@captainhydra8874]

Messiiiii

[@justadoglovergurl1198]

​@@captainhydra8874UNCARA MESSI UNCARA MESSI

[@TheRareRaptor]

you can get much larger containers of isopropyl alcohol from farm supply stores like tractor supply! like.... HUGE ones. it’s really helpful for this!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s awesome! I had no idea so thanks for the tip! You totally rock.

[@Everettalla]

Over time the liquid will yellow. This is caused by the release of natural fats that would regularly release in the decomposition of whatever creature you’re preserving. Make sure to replace the formalin or ethanol in the jar as needed.

[@maxwellgrimsley]

This is perfect for my latest project! It might sound weird, but after getting my dog neutered, I asked to keep the “bits” and to preserve them as a little joke project. Something about having a jar of balls just on my shelf is funny to me 😂 Can’t wait to see it through!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Ha ha, that’s awesome!! You are my kind of peep. Let me know how it goes! 🤩

[@maxwellgrimsley]

@@TheLittleBlackShadeTreeomg I just got this notification a year later for some reason. 😭 it went well! I’ve got them in a decorative jar on my shelf and I’m planning on building a mini cabinet of curiosities for it to stay in once we move house. 😂

[@maxwellgrimsley]

⁠@JustAnEggOkit went great!!! They’re forever immortalized on my bedroom shelf 😂

[@maxwellgrimsley]

@JustAnEggOk thank you! I’m really proud of it and I can’t wait to make more wet specimens in the future. :)

[@Vindictivevonne]

Dr's wouldn't let my mom keep the tumor removed from my brothers brain, but the surgeon did take pictures (sister here with photographic evidence that my brother does, in fact, have a brain). My mom was a little ticked (US Healthcare) that they wouldn't let her keep removed tumors to do this. "Those are $80k tumors. Cmon." 🙄🙄🙄 (bio/health thing blah blah blah but that's our Mom. Love to see where my weird came from in real time.) At least I have proof my bro has a brain. So when he does dumb ish, I can show him the picture of his brain. "HEY. Use this."

[@solidhyrax]

General Sam really knew who to pick to learn how to preserve his little dead piggy.

[@ILikeChickenOkay]

Im so glad to see actual correct information being shared on the wet specimen process! See way too many people spread inaccurate information and tell people to just throw their animals (even pets!) in alcohol🙄

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Ha ha, so true! Thank you so much for your support! ❤️❤️

[@user-zm1rg3uz4h]

Idk how correct it is... No mention of neutralizing formalin and it looks like she uses puppy pee pads to catch spills which doesn’t neutralize formalin like formalin pads... Formalin is a hazardous waste and cannot be dumped down the drain OR thrown in the trash without neutralizing..

[@JChappee]

Why can't one just put them in alcohol?

[@ILikeChickenOkay]

@@JChappee because alcohol is not a tissue fixative. Alcohol will only slow the decomp process of the outside of an animal if its plopped in a jar of it, while it also slowly rots on the inside (even if injected with alcohol, it is still going to decompose). When injected and fixed with formalin it alters the proteins and amino acids in the tissue, preventing decomposition all together.

[@guytrashgurtdog515]

I keep lots of pet rats and other critters and have always wanted to do something like this and now I know how! Thank you so much!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s awesome! Let me know how it goes!

[@thekantedkalcedony]

hey, thank you so much for this! your video has assisted me in starting the process to preserve my first wet specimen; a seahorse I found on the edge of the beach, barely being brushed by the waves. Cannot wait for the remainder of supplies to be delivered to finish the preservation!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That is awesome and I'm so glad this video was helpful! Let me know how your preservation process goes!

[@camillemccarther9700]

I really wish I came across this a month ago. One of my bettas died and I wanted to preserve him, but I didn’t know I couldn’t put him straight into resin with some of his gravel. So he rotted while the resin was baking:(

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Oh no, I’m sorry! I’m not sure you could put him in resin without him rotting but the formalin method would definitely work.

[@heydemonssitsme_marianna8303]

I preserve my betta in 90% alcohol and 10% water. They loose their color sadly but it works!

[@jillbrown1411]

Heyboisitsme_yurmum like all of their color?

[@heydemonssitsme_marianna8303]

@@jillbrown1411 no, they just get dull/ not as bright. They will get slightly grey in some areas but other than that they preserve well. I wish there was a way to keep all their color though :/

[@jillbrown1411]

Heyboisitsme_yurmum I currently have my dead fish in a borax solution rn and am wondering if that would work or should I just use the alcohol solution? Also how long do you leave it soaking until I can put it in resin? thank you for responding!

[@SB_thatsme]

Thank you for this tutorial! You're quite charming, and didn't fill any space with content that wouldn't further the message, which is awesome to come across on KZbin. I hope to utilize more of your videos in the future, as I run a farm, and we have our share of losses, which are now in my freezer, waiting for me to learn this trade. Thank you!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. I love that you run a farm, and you're right, loss is a part of farm life. Let me know how your preserving goes!

[@b3nnefits]

So cool!! I love going to the museum and seeing all the wet specimens

[@marionetteb589]

Im starting to get into this hobby and imnso excited to get started

[@robertkelly5025]

Awesome! Thanks!!! I'm now looking for your video on putting insects in resin. I can't wait.

[@emmag2323]

This was so helpful, thank you so much :) I know what I'm doing over the summer!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Awesome! I’m glad you found the video helpful, that means a lot. Good luck on your own project!

[@FrederickDunn]

Very well done, thank you so much for sharing! I think I just figured out what we'll be doing with the grandsons as a project this summer :)

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s a great idea! How fun!

[@viagra5207]

now you can keep your grandsons around forever they will never age

[@EpikBaby123]

@@viagra5207 I get that it’s probably a joke but uh, they didn’t mean it like that

[@debramatthews8333]

Thanks for the video and information. This was such a God send. I didn't know what to do but you were very helpful. It was very clear and precise.

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Wow, thank you so much! That means a ton! 😍

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Wow, thank you so much! That means a ton! 😍

[@financialeducation4433]

Now I can keep all the snakes we found out in the garden. Thanks.

[@TrippyHippie710]

This is so cool thank you for sharing it going to try this myself! ✌️🙏

[@dictatormoehailstone806]

Very cool video! This will be a really fun project to do sometime.

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thank you so much! Let me know how it goes if you end up trying it!

[@MangleCosplays]

thx for the vid! My hermit crab just molted and Im preserving that! :)

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That is awesome!

[@Aeaaoooaaa]

@Odaliz Orozco-Rueda THANKS MOM LUV U 2

[@CroatiaSurvival]

@Odaliz Orozco-Rueda How about you piss off and keep your mind washing cult for yourself.

[@violetrodriguez1055]

Hello! It's probably too late to stop you by now, but a hermit crab's molted husk is really high in calcium and they instinctually wanna eat that to recover the nutrients they lost while molting. It probably won't kill your crab, but they can have a deficiency and be sick. I've had hermit crabs for over 8 years and never had one turn down eating its own molt, so I can't recommend taking it for preserving.

[@lilgothpotato4867]

@Odaliz Orozco-Rueda no ❤️

[@fangedfawn2921]

This is awesome! I just found a dead mole and I felt so bad for the little guy :(. This video is very helpful!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s awesome! Let me know how it goes!

[@ItzShaiizzyBaybee]

"No animals were harmed" Then proceeds to say her animals killed them 😭😭😭😭

[@Estrella_Dawn]

Thank you so much for this, a beautiful humming bird flew into my window and I plan of preserving it

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Wow! Let me know how it went!

[@TicklePickles101]

Very informative video! I have goldfish that should have many years ahead of them, but I just wanted to make sure I know how to preserve them when that time comes.

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s great! I’m sure your goldfish will have a long, happy life 😍

[@user-xm5bq7fn4c]

Thank u soo much for such a useful information. Appriciate

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thank you so much!

[@summerrose2773]

This is the coolest thing I've ever seen

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thank you so much!! 🤩

[@didogobiusbentuvii]

Thank you for the awesome informative video I have a question though If we were to preserve a huge specimen like Rhincodon typus would we put it in a huge glass aquarium and fill it up with formalin?then alcohol?

[@haileyk873]

This video was very informative thank you 🥹🥹🥹

[@peepopalaber]

General Sam brought me here. Much love.

[@andrewwhite4824]

Super helpful! Thank you! How long did you soak the octopus before cleaning it? I have a bunch of fish that I want to preserve.

[@XxTheReptileGirlxX]

A really well done and informative video. Thank you! I was thinking about doing this to tattooed pig skin, would I still need to do injections? Would it even work as a wet specimen? Thanks!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

This would definitely work on pig skin and I doubt it would change the tattoo in any way. If it’s just skin than I’m sure injections wouldn’t be necessary. You’re welcome to do it as a precaution anyways though. Cool idea! Let me know how it goes 😀

[@ignacioloera3967]

Amazing work and video, I would like to ask if it's needed to clean and get out all the insides or just fill them with the Formalin? Sorry for the silly question.

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s not a silly question at all! You definitely don’t need to clean out the insides, just inject with some formalin. The bigger the animal, the more formalin it will need but as long as most all the tissues come in contact with it than you’re good to go. Good luck!

[@evadoe3060]

Thanks for this. My first Betta fish passed away yesterday and I wished to preserve him since I loved him so much. Hopefully I'll have as much success as you did with your wet specimens!!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That's so sad your betta fish passed away! I love that you want to preserve him though. Let me know how it goes!

[@karinragimov1324]

@@TheLittleBlackShadeTree hii I know it's been a while since you posted this vid but I had a question, if I wanna preserve JUST an ear that I found, do I still need to inject it with formalin or do I go ahead and soak it without that step?

[@idlesong]

I love your excitement, it makes me feel like I'm a kid again. Thanks for teachin'

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That is so kind of you! You made my whole day!

[@umbraiitenebris5610]

Thanks, when my 2 rescued african clawed frogs pass away I’m going to preserve them in jars. I could never leave their bodies behind they mean too much to me. They’re both still young so it’ll be a couple decades hopefully before they pass, but I will reference this video one day when the time comes

[@EugeneHKrabs-ie1lc]

Very helpful, I love biology too!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s awesome! Biology is amazing. I’m so glad you liked the video! 🤩

[@c.h.5510]

I searched for this type of video, totally awesome💯👑

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thank you so much! 😍

[@c.h.5510]

@@TheLittleBlackShadeTree uw.. I can't wait to try it I wanna do some more gruesome art, and I know the cooler weather, will yield some awesome animal fur!

[@averydanielle1584]

So if I were to do something really small like just a singular octopus tentacle how long would you recommend it sit for?

[@mercedessoria8476]

Hello, I have a wet specimen that I recently got and was just curious how would you go about changing the jar you originally got the specimen in?

[@thoughtswithcarlton8366]

Thanks for the video. I now want to make my own :)

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thanks! Good luck, that sounds awesome!!

[@MultiBritt08]

Shelly, you are so cool!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That's so nice of you to say!

[@picklelizard.]

sam needs a rat in a jar now

[@outpost_thirty_1]

Thank you for this video! Very easy to follow. One question I can’t seem to find the answer to confidently is what to do with used, dirty Formalin. How do we dispose of it properly? I know it can be bad for the environment. Thank you!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s a great question! I’ve been storing my used formalin (filtered) for future projects because you can use it more than once. However, I have not had a need yet to dispose of any so I haven’t researched it. I’ll ask my vet and get back to you!

[@chalicemagic]

What advice did your vet give you?

[@smoothsnailing2161]

Thank u for this video, i had a really tough week with my hatchling bearded dragon. Was such a beautiful bright red hypo translucent baby.. but he was born with complications and i did as much as i could. This will be my first dragon that i plan to make as a wet specimen. Just a remembrance of all the struggle and hardship it is to take care of a sick baby dragon. RIP Xeno. 🙏 ♥️ 🦎

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

I’m sorry about your baby dragon! Animals are so wonderful and it’s hard when we can’t save them. I love that you’re honoring it by preserving it. Let me know how it goes!

[@ColdBloodCreations]

Sounds like you got it fom Petsmrt maybe?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

@@ColdBloodCreations The bearded dragon?

[@ColdBloodCreations]

@@TheLittleBlackShadeTree Yes.

[@smoothsnailing2161]

@@ColdBloodCreations no, i got em from a local breeder. I doubt petsmart or petco would hold more unique dragons like this translucent type.

[@andersonbridgelal8980]

I don't have access to formalin so I use food grade preserving powder and Isopropyl Alcohol. Have a dead new born puppy to wet Specimen Taxidermy now... Nice collection

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

I’m sorry about the puppy but that will be a really neat specimen. Unfortunately, isopropyl alcohol will not be enough for a puppy. Eventually, it will start to decompose, but you might be able to prolong it by make sure its heavily injected with the alcohol. Let me know how it goes!

[@samilucille1]

This is great I hope I can get my hands on some formalin i've had a frozen Rat .. own two until I get organised 😅

[@bsmtii-c_lancinjubillee5571]

I like the video, its so inspiring

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thank you so much!!

[@AverageReefer]

This helped a lot, my pet lizard just passed away the day of this comment and i will try to preserve it

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

I’m sorry about your lizard ❤️ I’m glad you’ll be preserving it. Let me know how it goes!

[@connormitchell1005]

do you need distilled water or can you just use good tap water, I live in North Wales so the water is very soft and clean? also this video is amazing thank you for such an detailed step by step

[@BRaff-hl4ip]

Very informative. I found a perfectly intact road kill, red squirrel which is currently in my freezer. Time to purchase some liquids.

[@cooperhutsellrodriguez6871]

Thank you for the video!

[@tylerjones613]

Hey, how long do you let it sit in formalin before putting the isopropyl alcohol in?

[@kiradavis8553]

great vid!! do you find that they stay clean and clear overtime? if not, do you need to replace with new isopropyl?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thank you! My isopropyl lasted at least 5 months before it started looking a little dirty. I’m about to change it to some fresh stuff but I’m willing to bet this next round will last much, much longer before needing to be changed.

[@Chewchew2605]

Hey! Loved your video!! I’m wondering if I could just store my specimen in 10% buffered formalin instead of storing it in isopropyl alcohol after the fixation. Will it last longer? Or does it cause any damage to the skin and it’ll be flakey and stuff?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s a great question! I actually don’t know the answer to that but since stronger methods of preservation are used often, I would bet it would work just fine. Let me know how it goes or if you find anything else out!

[@Joaquin-bh6zm]

keeping it in formalin, even if its buffered can still damage the specimen over time. but that takes a lot of time, many old specimens in museums are still stored in it so its not really a problem 70% ethanol is the best medium, or isopropanol if you can't get ethanol

[@danielleopsahl3992]

Hi! I am about to attempt a deer heart, how long would the sitting time be in the formalin?

[@snowstorm2141]

I know this is liek 4 years old but have ypu dome any wet specimen with a feathered animal? Eould it be the same process? How would the formalin effect the feathers?

[@isabella8319]

What other projects can be done with the used formalin?

[@mattblankensopp7493]

Great video!! Thank you!!!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me!

[@mattblankensopp7493]

@@TheLittleBlackShadeTree does this technique work well with jellyfish or is there another way you'd recommend?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

@@mattblankensopp7493 I’ve never tried jellyfish but that would be so neat to have! I have no reason to suspect this technique would not work on a jellyfish. Let me know how it goes!

[@AngrySinn]

I have three dead sand dollars I'd like to preserve. They have a slightly delicate body that's mostly hard like most urchins. Would I need to find a way to put some solution in the body?

[@HJ-si7hd]

This is so interesting! I found a beautiful deceased squirrel in my yard and I want to preserve it. This might be the way to go!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Awesome! Let me know how it went!

[@HJ-si7hd]

@@TheLittleBlackShadeTree It turned out perfectly!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

@@HJ-si7hd That's great to hear! Congratulations! Thank you for letting me know!

[@abrahamd514]

Just to be clear, the formalin is needed when you first set up a wet specimen and then after that it’s the 70% isopropyl alcohol? I just acquired sheep eyes & a heart that were already preserved but the water is a little nasty. I would just need to change it out for isopropyl alc? Thanks!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Yes, you are correct. The formalin is for the original preservation and then you only need isopropyl alcohol. However, if your specimens have not yet been soaked in formalin I would suggest doing that to preserve them for the longest amount of time. Sheep eyes and a heart sound like great additions to any collection!

[@slayerbot36]

hey water has a half life thats really short so would i have to change it in 3-5 years time?

[@preeti7213]

Hii, did you just use the formalin or added some distilled water? I mean can I use that formalin( which I ordered from Amazon) directly or should I add something ( distilled water)?

[@Western.Werewolf.Studios]

Would this same method work with methylated spirits? Also, does this work with birds or does it ruin the feathers? Great video btw!!

[@jeremiahpaguiligan]

Hi, what if I already injected formalin in the snake (wet specimen) but I want to inject more to make it sure its preservation? within 24 hours

[@shaunoneil3068]

Awesome video, it’s informative! I have recent had a hatchling snake pass away and I would like to preserve it. Would I need the formalin or could I just put it in 70% alcohol? What’s the benefits of the formalin? 😊

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Thank you! Yes, you would definitely need the formalin because it does the majority of the preserving. If you skip the formalin and put it only in alcohol, like a lot of KZbin videos show, than the snake will only last for a short period of time before starting to deteriorate. Let me know how it goes!

[@shaunoneil3068]

@@TheLittleBlackShadeTree thank you so much for your fast reply! sounds like such a shady question, but can I ask were you get your needles from? I’m just finding the “blunt” needles but the snake is tiny so I don’t want to risk damaging it with a blunt needle. Again thank you you for your help, it’s been super helpful. I have also subscribed and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your video’s 😊

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

@@shaunoneil3068 Ha ha, yes that is a shady sounding question and I love it. I'm pretty sure I got my needles from my mother-in-law when she sold her horses. She administered her horeses shots herself under the direction of her vet. If I ever need more, I my vet would probably be willing to sell me some. He knows I don't do drugs, ha ha. I've heard you can find them at drugstores like Walgreens but I haven't looked myself. I hope that helps but it probably wasn't as helpful as you hoped it would be. Let me know if you find any!

[@artsyandwitchy2551]

What about small insect like little spider or moths do they have to get the formalin soak or can I just put them in a jar wit isopropyl and call it ?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That's a great question! You could probably get away with just putting them in alcohol...maybe. It would be a risk but it might work. The tinier and more delicate the specimen (especially moth wings) may not hold up to the harsh chemicals. You could always preserve them in resin, but soft-bellied creatures like spiders need to be boiled beforehand. I learned about it from a university that released a tutorial on it. They talked about needing to boil the specimen for a short period of time (like 10 seconds or something, I can't remember) before being placed in the resin. I apologize for not having more detailed info, but I hope it helps. Let me know how it goes!

[@cpeters4446]

How long should I leave a full sized water puppy in formalin & a small newborn kitten ? Before changing to alcohol ?

[@chicinthewoods]

Fantastic video

[@moniqueangel971]

Hi! I'm doing a biology project and using your video as my guide, what size/gauge needle would you think is best for an animal the size of the mouse? or what size needle are you using in this video? thank you :)

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Hi Monique! That's a great question! I'd say just about any guage would work well. I used whatever needle I had access to, which I believe came from my mother-in-law's medical kit for her horses. I hope that helps, but let me know if you have any more questions!

[@shortylowe88]

My son's axolotl passed away and we decided to do a wet specimen. We did freeze her because we were waiting on supplies. Once it is time, do we thaw her out first before we do anything with the wet specimen or do we do it with her frozen?

[@AuntTomato]

Can you show us how to do an organ? im thinking about saving my dogs uterus after she is spayed. Also is it okay to not use formalin?

[@TheAtheilig]

Question! I have frozen baby octopi from the fish market, how do I know how much formalin I put in it? And how long do I let it soak in formalin ?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Neat! You probably won’t need to do any injections because they’re either super small or “cleaned out” like the other fish. Just put them in a jar and fully submerge them in the formalin and leave them for 2 months. Let me know how it goes!

[@katie6131]

I have some frozen bunny kits. How long do I let them sit to unfreeze? Do I defrost them in the fridge? Thanks!

[@Everettalla]

Where do you find your specimens? They look great

[@shannonp2321]

Do you know about how long this method of preservation will last? I want to do something that has the ability to last for as long as possible.

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

This method will last many, many years. It’s the longest preservation method I know of but let me know if you hear of a longer one! I guess freezing might last longer. I know freezing will keep stuff for decades.

[@dark_matter2377]

Is it better to take the insides out and clean them or can you leave everything intact?

[@bluephoenix8555]

Hi, can i try the same method for preserving a lamb's heart

[@carlyprincipe125]

How long would you recommend letting a very small bird sit before transferring to the final solution?

[@bruh_youmad]

I got a formalin HCHO = 30.03 is that like the same? And also how do you dispose of it? What are the dangers and what should you do when you accidentally inject a bit of it in the finger?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

I'm not sure if that is the same stuff but I'll try and look it up. I need to research how to dispose of old formalin and then I'll get back to you. As for accidentally injecting yourself, yikes, that would not be awesome. My lack of a medical degree would recommend you seek real medical help, probably an ER.

[@potatohamlin5242]

How do you stop the body from producing gassed inside there body does freezing them stop it, cause my specimen was float and bloating due that and you know it’s in a jar how is it gonna escape.

[@warrior4hire522]

Is it okay to clean the funnel (or any other equipment that was in contact with the formalin) in the sink with soap and water after use? And if formalin is spilled on the puppy pee pad, is it okay to dispose of it in the public waste container, or should it be handled as hazardous waste?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Yes, I would say it’s perfectly safe to rise your tools in your kitchen sink but I wouldn’t overtop of any dishes you eat out of. You also are perfectly okay to dispose of the formalin soaked pee pad in your normal garbage. 🥰

[@homelessangels]

hey i like ur channel how could i preserve beautifully my loving cat when they pass away i dont want to burried them?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Hi! You most definitely could use this wet specimen technique and put it in formalin. I know a lot of people also like to take their pets to a taxidermist but that can be expensive.

[@thehomesteadadventure9389]

Is this method the same for all wet specimens? I’d like to do brains and other organs, I was thinking that brains are so soft and I’ve never worked with them yet. Have you tried something like that?

[@sexykermit8281]

Hey so we found some baby bunnies that looked to be about 2-3 months deceased but still perfectly in tact but they haven’t been frozen nor were they freshly killed could we still make them into a wet specimen?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Wow, that’s crazy that they still look perfectly intact after all that time. Whatever state they are in, should be the state they stay in once preserved so I would definitely go ahead and use them for wet specimens! Let me know how it goes!

[@leyamuniz3632]

Please respond I’m new to this. I was told metal lids will erode and to use plastic????? Is this correct or no??

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Hi! Great question! Yes, metal lids are best and won’t erode, but it’s also best to get the kind with a rubber seal. Most of mine don’t have the rubber seal but it is recommended. I hope that helps!

[@kylecahayon8628]

Hello, may I ask what if the isopropyl solution becomes dirty after months? How should I maintain it?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Great question! Yes, it will get dirty over time, especially if it's a new specimen. I put my new specimens in fresh alcohol after about 5 months and then every year after that. I hope that helps!

[@ellaaquilina8124]

Are there any more easily available and cheaper options than formalin?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Not that I know of. You need a preservative like formaldehyde and formalin is the diluted version. I think it’s the cheapest option that will do a good job.

[@meatscab]

if im not able to get formalin would only using the 70% isopropyl alcohol work just as well?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Great question! Isopropyl alcohol is, unfortunately, not enough. There are a lot of video on KZbin showing just the use of it and not the formalin but eventually those specimens will deteriorate. Plus, the larger the specimen, the faster it will start to rot without the proper preservatives.

[@er7889]

Hi! I just lost my ferret today. She passed in my and my husband's arms. I really want to preserve her. She was very small for a ferret. How long would you say it best to keep her in the focaline (I already forgot how to spell it lol) solution and is there a specific temperature she should be kept at while in that solution the first time around? Thank you 💜

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

I'm so sorry about your sweet ferret! They are such sweet furballs. I'm sure she had a happy and full life with you. I would keep her in the formalin for at least 4 months, I know that's a long time, but it isn't when it comes to preservation. But make sure to give her lots of injections. Not only will those help plump her up so she looks healthy and alive, but it is essential in preserving her for the long term. Let me know how it goes, I'd love to hear. Good luck!

[@ferret1962]

Do you have any tips on preserving snails? also does it have to be distilled water, will normal do?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Hi! Those are great questions! I would make sure to use 70% isopropyl alcohol and not 90% (in case that's what you had) because it would be too strong. Depending on the size of the snail, you probably wouldn't need to inject any formalin. And you do need to use distilled water. I can't remember why, but when I researched it, I read it needed to be distilled. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any more questions!

[@Facemister]

I have a question, because the lamb came to me in jar and it is filled with formalin,so can formaldehyde leak into the room if it is only taped with insulating tape?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That's a really good question. I would say yes, it can evaporate slowly into the air. I had that issue with some of my jars that didn't have a rubber seal. I hope that helps!

[@12am.mp35]

does this work for pinkie mice? i got frozen ones from the pet store for my geckos but id like to keep a couple :)

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Absolutely! Let me know how it goes!

[@emiliegarneau4964]

Can I reuse the formalin for another wet specimen? Or should I always use clean stuff (except for the injection, you specified it haha)

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Good question! You can definitely reuse the formalin to soak another specimen 😃

[@taylorwatson4046]

Hi there!! I work at a fish store, and we got in a stingray that sadly didn’t make it. This is going to be the first time I ever do a wet specimen. Any tips and/or advice?? Im so excited and scared to do it lol. Idk if I over looked it but when you did your octopus did you inject him with the formalin too??

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s so cool! Sorry the stingray didn’t make it but I’m glad you’ll be preserving it. I didn’t inject my octopus but that was only because the fish market “cleaned” it out. It didn’t have any guts and it’s insides were all open to the formalin. I would definitely suggest you inject your stingray. Let me know how it goes!

[@taylorwatson4046]

@@TheLittleBlackShadeTree i will! My formalin should be arriving this week!

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

@@taylorwatson4046 Awesome!

[@preston2345]

How'd that stingray turn out?

[@krlosz1996]

is there any reason why we should use isopropyl alcohol as opposed to other kinds of alcohol like regular ethanol?

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

That’s a great question! I don’t know the answer to that one. When I researched the project, everything said isopropyl alcohol so that’s what I used. Let me know if you find anything out!

[@casketbats]

hi!! i had a veiled chameleon who passed a little over a year ago and i've kept her frozen since. i originally wanted to get her bones articulated but i never came into the funds to do that, so she's just been chillin' in our freezer, haha. i would really prefer not to have to bury her, so i wanted to ask if she would still be a good specimen to preserve this way despite having been frozen for so long. i've done taxidermy before and really adore the preservation of animals and i've been wanting to dabble in wet specimen preservation so i figured i would ask! i'm not sure if there's any differences between preserving mammals and reptiles as well.

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

Those are great questions! Your chameleon should be a great candidate for wet preservation. Let me know how it goes!

[@Beanssss_]

Hey, when cleaning out the formalin and washing your wet specimen wirh distilled water, do you get overwhelmed by a "pungent smell" or does formallin take care of that from happening? Thank you

[@TheLittleBlackShadeTree]

It definitely has a smell but the formalin helps. You should be good 😎

[@geraldsreptiles7003]

How do you prevent hair from falling off?