While dealing with some unpleasantness related to our old attraction site, which has been unused as a working attraction since 1997, we retrieved a couple of fetal pigs that *were* in formaldehyde and in plastic jars. The pigs were found on the floor, still in the jar, but all traces of formaldehyde have evaporated. I'm guessing they've been that way for at least a year. There is still some pliability to the skin (it is still soft to the touch)but other than that, they *look* mummified.

At this point, there is no sign of infestation or decay, but I am giving the specimens some time to show any of the telltale signs. The question is: is it safe to put them into a sealed jar w/o formaldehyde, should I take the extra step to prepare a solution to stick them in, or is it a total loss and something that should just be disposed of?

Chris
http://www.spookymagic.com

Well, if you want to get rid of them...I'll take em'


Brett.

I would think after a year they should be fully dehydrated and if you keep them dry should be okay. If you return them to the solution they will rehydrate and possibly fall apart.

Either let them mummifiy fully OR just use regular old alchohol. No need to mess with formali or fomaldahyde.

They are not a lost cause.

We all bow to Doug, who knows!

There's an awesome product by the name "Preserv-It", it's pretty cheap compared to formaldehyde and it's non-carcinogenic. Preserv-It cannot be illicilty used for drugs as formaldehyde either (that may also explain the mystery of the disappearing fluid). Pure alcohol is a good way to go if yer cheap an in a tight pinch.

Thanks all. It looks like I have properly preserved piggies and can still use them for display purposes.

Chris
http://www.spookymagic.com