by Jim Allred

Step-by-Step

Using a pair of fine scissors, clean any meat from the root of the beard.  Be careful not to remove so much as to cause the beard to fall apart.

Soak the flesh end in Jim Allred's Bird Skin Degreaser/Preserver.  Leave the beard in the solution over night, then remove.  Rub some dry preservative on it and let it dry.

All meat and fat must be removed from the tail.  Using scissors, wire brushes and a knife remove all the red meat and yellow fat.  Be very careful not to cut the quills of the feathers or they will fall out.

Also often rub Jim Allred's Dry Preservative into the meat and let sit for a few minutes.  This will help dry the meat and make it easier to remove.

Close-up of meat removed.  Note the two rows of quills, one for the tail feathers and one for the feathers in front of the tail.  Be sure to leave both on the tail.

Completely wash the tail in soap and warm water to remove dirt and grime.  Then soak the entire tail in
Jim Allred's Bird Skin Degreaser/Preserver

The entire tail section can be left in the material for months if desired
 

Remove the tail from the degreaser, towel dry.  Use a hair dryer to dry the feathers.  Compressed air from an air compressor can also be helpful.

Tail dried and ready to proceed

Close-up of tail root.  Note two rows of quills.

Using cardboard strips, place and pin down the feathers in their proper position.

Using bondo, apply to the base of the tail over the quills, and let set.  Flip the tail over and apply the bondo to the back side and let set.

Leave the tail pinned down over night.

Remove the tail from the cardboard, drill two pilot holes through the base of the tail.

Secure the tail to the fan mounting board with two dry wall screws. 
 

Drill a hole in the bottom of the fan mounting board large enough for the beard to slide into.

 Use hot glue to secure the beard in the hole.

Attach a Level Rite hanger to the back of the mounting board.

Attach the beard/tail mounting board to the backboard.
Two feet may also be added on the sides of the beard if desired.