Specimen Storage & Care

How do I care for my new specimen?

All insect and animal specimens are perfectly preserved and with the correct care can last you your entire lifetime. 

Insect Frames

Please ensure that your new frame is not stored in direct heat or sunlight. This can cause rapid deterioration & fading. You also don’t want to store your specimens in bathrooms or anywhere too moist without proper ventilation; this can also cause damage & mould to grow on your specimens. Please do not remove any seals or open your frame. These are airtight and have been put there to help keep any nasties out. 

All specimens were at one point a beautiful living and breathing creature. Even after being professionally preserved, sealed or encapsulated, this means your specimens can fall prey to bugs or mould. The most common bugs to attack insect frames are called 'book lice'. Personally I give specimens in my personal collection a quick once over every 2-3 months to ensure everything is still in tip top shape.

In the rare occasion you do notice some odd specks inside your frame, usually resembling dust, you may have book lice. To kill these little suckers off, you'll want to place the affected frame(s) into your freezer for a minimum of 3 days. Remove for a couple days, and put back into the freezer for a further 3+ days to ensure any eggs are also killed off. Ensure you are monitoring your entire collection closely and isolating any affected pieces until you have the situation under control.

You can clean the front of our insect frames like you would any other frame – glass cleaner and paper towel. This will cause no damage to the frames or specimens preserved within them.

TL;DR it for me please?

• No direct sunlight
• Keep away from moisture & humidity (eg no bathrooms!)
• Don't remove the seal!
• Check it over every few months

Taxidermy, Pelts & Animal Parts

Much like the insect frames, you want to keep your new animal specimens away from direct sunlight, excess moisture & humidity & ensuring you're keeping them out of harms way (ie, pets, children, unwanted touching) to keep them in top condition. Direct sunlight over a prolonged period can cause fading and deterioration of fur, bones can become very chalky and brittle. Excess moisture & humidity is almost begging for mould. Please try to keep your items in a dry environment. If you're in a naturally humid place like myself in SE QLD and the humidity is unavoidable, dehumidifiers can be used to help.

All specimens have been hygienically preserved using various chemicals to stop the decomposition process.  These chemicals are for preservation, whilst the specimens are safe for handling, they are not safe for consumption so please ensure any specimens are kept away from any curious hungry little pets or humans.