Noah Vinter
Preserving a snake in alcohol is a tricky and complicated process that involves multiple steps. It is important to note that the chemicals used in preservation are harsh and can be dangerous, so it is crucial to take the necessary precautions. The process includes injecting the snake with a fixative, such as formalin or formaldehyde, and then transferring it to a jar of alcohol for storage. The type of alcohol used is important, with denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and ethanol being mentioned as suitable options. The concentration of alcohol also matters, with 70% ethanol being recommended for reptiles. The preservation process aims to stiffen the tissues of the snake to prevent decomposition and ensure the specimen remains in a study-friendly posture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Containers | Containers must be made of glass or plastic that won't chemically react with the preserving fluid |
| Specimen preparation | Inject or embalm with fluid, fix in a preservative, transfer to new preservative, seal in a jar and store or display |
| Injection sites | Mouth, eyes, body cavity, anus, large muscles, tiny incisions in the skin for larger specimens with hair |
| Positioning | Place the specimen in the desired position for display before the preservative fluid hardens |
| Fixation | Inject formalin or another fixative into the specimen to preserve and stiffen tissues so they don't decompose |
| Storage | Use 70% ethanol for reptiles and amphibians, transfer to a permanent jar with new alcohol after fixing |
| Skinning | Cut along the belly, work the skin loose from the body, sever the body behind the head and in front of the anus, discard the carcass |
| Preservation fluid | Alcohol, formaldehyde, formalin, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol |
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What You'll Learn
Injecting fixative into the snake's body
Injecting fixative into a snake's body is a crucial step in preserving the specimen. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Before beginning the injection process, it is important to gather the necessary materials, including a syringe, fixative solution, and containers. The fixative solution can be a chemical such as formalin or formaldehyde, and it should be chosen based on its suitability for the specific type of preservation desired. It is important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to ensure your safety when handling chemicals.
The injection technique involves making a series of injections along the snake's body. The number of injections will depend on the size of the snake, typically ranging from 5 to 8 injections. Begin the injections just behind the head and continue towards the anus. The injections should be made an inch or two apart, depending on the size of the snake. Smaller snakes may require smaller incisions that are closer together.
During the injection process, it is important to aim for the body cavity and large muscles. You want the snake's body to appear bloated, ensuring that the fixative solution has penetrated thoroughly. If the snake has a lot of hair, making tiny incisions in the skin can help the fixative soak in better. Additionally, the mouth, eyes, and anus should not be overlooked—inject these areas as well.
After completing the injections, it is crucial to handle the specimen with care. Place the snake in the desired position for display inside a large jar. Fill the jar with the same fixative solution used for the injections, ensuring that the entire specimen is submerged. Seal the jar tightly to prevent any leakage or evaporation.
The injected snake should be allowed to fix in the solution for a specific period, which can vary depending on the fixative used and the size of the specimen. For example, reptiles typically require a longer fixation time, ranging from 10 to 12 hours, while amphibians may take around 24 to 48 hours.
It is important to note that the preservation process requires caution and a basic understanding of the chemicals involved. Some of the chemicals used, such as formaldehyde, are known carcinogens, so proper handling and storage are essential. Additionally, it is your responsibility to ensure that the specimen you are preserving is legal to possess and process in your region.
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Soaking a cloth in formalin to cover the snake
Preserving a snake in alcohol is a tricky and complicated process and should only be undertaken if you are confident in the procedure. The chemicals used in preservation processes are harsh and some are known carcinogens. Formalin, for example, is known to cause cancer and it is important to minimize exposure to these chemicals when using them. Always work in an open space and wear gloves.
To begin, make a series of injections an inch or two apart through the snake's belly into the body cavity. Begin just behind the head and continue the injections to the anus. If a syringe is not available, a series of slits must be made in the belly. For most snakes, the slits should be about an inch apart and an inch long; smaller slits closer together for very small snakes.
After injecting or slitting, place the snake on a fixing tray covered with a single piece of paper (paper towels are good) that has been dampened with water. Cover the snake with another piece of damp paper. Pour enough preservative over the top to thoroughly soak the paper and allow about an eighth of an inch of liquid free at the bottom of the tray. The tray should be covered to prevent evaporation.
Once the snake has been injected or slit, tagged, and fixed, it should be put directly into a preservative. If you are using formalin, the snake should remain completely immersed in the preservative for at least 48 hours. Cover the snake with a cloth soaked in formalin and close the tray.
After the snake has been immersed in formalin for the recommended time, it can be transferred to a secondary solution of diluted isopropyl or ethanol alcohol for storage and display. It is important to note that the alcohol concentration should be no more than 70% to prevent tissue wrinkling and shriveling.
Additionally, it is recommended to change the alcohol solution periodically to maintain the quality of the preservation. Over time, the alcohol may become less effective, and fresh alcohol may be needed to ensure the snake remains preserved.
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Storing the snake in a glass container
The container should be made of glass and should be large enough to accommodate the snake without touching the sides. The snake should be coiled into a spiral with its head inside, and the spiral can be ovular to ensure the specimen fits in the jar. Cover the bottom of the container with a single piece of damp paper, then place the snake on top and cover it with another piece of damp paper.
Pour enough preservative, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, into the container to thoroughly soak the paper. Leave about an eighth of an inch of liquid free at the bottom of the container. The specimen should be completely immersed in the preservative. If using alcohol, the snake should be left for one to eight weeks before being transferred to a new container with fresh alcohol.
The container should be sealed and stored in a safe place. It is important to note that the chemicals used in preservation processes are harsh and some are known carcinogens, so they should be stored and handled with care.
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Using ethanol or isopropyl alcohol for preservation
Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol can be used to preserve snakes, but they have limitations and specific requirements. Here are the key points to consider when using these alcohols for snake preservation:
Using Ethanol for Preservation:
- Ethanol preservation is tricky because the specimen must remain suspended in ethanol for its entire life, unlike formalin-preserved specimens, which can be transitioned to isopropyl alcohol for storage.
- Ethanol is recommended only for small specimens, such as a mouse or a lizard, due to the fixation process.
- When using ethanol, it should be diluted to 70% concentration. Distilled water must be used for dilution, and no other type of water should be used.
- Ethanol can be used as a secondary solution for storage after the initial preservation process. This is especially suitable for animals with no hair, as stronger alcohol concentrations can cause tissue shrinkage and wrinkling.
- Ethanol is effective for preserving the skin and bones of snakes but may not be sufficient for soft tissues.
- Ethanol preservation requires the specimen to be filled and bloated with the fixative. This can be done through injections into the body cavity or by making tiny incisions in the skin to allow the ethanol to soak in.
Using Isopropyl Alcohol for Preservation:
- Isopropyl alcohol is not a fixative chemical and will not stop the decomposition process. While it can delay decomposition, the specimen will eventually rot.
- Isopropyl alcohol is safe for storing wet specimens but should not be used as the sole preservation method.
- Some people have successfully preserved snakes in isopropyl alcohol by injecting it throughout the body and then submerging the specimen in a jar of isopropyl alcohol. However, others have reported conflicting results, with the specimen rotting internally over time.
- Isopropyl alcohol can be combined with propylene glycol to create a humectant fluid, which is commonly used in museums for preservation.
- Like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol should be diluted to a concentration of around 70% for preservation.
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Removing internal organs to prevent rotting
Preserving a snake in alcohol is a tricky and complicated process and should only be undertaken if you are confident in the procedure. Removing the internal organs is a crucial step in preventing the specimen from rotting.
Firstly, it is important to note that the removal of internal organs is more commonly performed on larger specimens. For snakes, this may involve making a single long cut along the belly, being careful not to cut through the anal plate. Working from the belly, carefully loosen the skin from the body, avoiding the head and tail. Once you have created enough space to access the internal organs, use forceps to carefully remove them through the anus. This process requires a strong stomach and a steady hand.
After removing the internal organs, it is essential to dispose of them properly. The next step is to sever the body just behind the head and in front of the anus. At this point, you should record any relevant information, such as stomach contents, before discarding the carcass. It is important to note that the stomach and bowel contents of the snake will rot quickly, even when using formaldehyde for preservation. Therefore, it is recommended to flush out these parts thoroughly.
To ensure the preservation of the remaining snake specimen, inject a fixative into the body cavity. This process aims to fill the entire specimen, including the muscles, to achieve a bloated appearance. Do not use isopropyl alcohol for this step, as it is not strong enough. Instead, use formaldehyde or a similar chemical.
Finally, place the snake specimen in a jar filled with the same fixative used in the injections. This step will ensure that the snake is completely immersed in the preservative. Allow the snake to remain in this solution for an extended period, following specific guidelines for the chosen preservative. For example, if using alcohol, it is recommended to leave the specimen immersed for at least a week before transferring it to its permanent storage container.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to collect a tissue sample and sterilise all instruments with 70% alcohol.
After injecting the snake with preservative, it should be placed directly into a jar of preservative.
A 70% ethanol solution is recommended for preserving reptiles and amphibians.
