What can i do to retrieve bones from a dead creature?

Question

im making jewelry from an almost entirely decomposed bird's bones, but there is still the layer of dry skin over it all. how can i decay the skin so all i have left are the bones, which i will then bleach.

Answer 1

try just bleaching it if it is just a thin layer.  The bleach could eat away the skin since it is a chemical.

Answer 2

Your local Natural History Museum may have a "beetle-box" for stripping the flesh from bones. You might also try asking the curators.

Personally, I'd suggest the boiling, but be very careful to keep an eye on the bones while this is going on. Birds' bones will soften if boiled for too long and may ruin the effect you want. About an hour should be good. Afterwards, put on some rubber gloves and gently clean the bones under tepid water, scraping them with the back of a butter-knife and/or a soft nail-brush.

Answer 3

Put it in a pot of water and boil it a long time.