Tanning Rabbit Pelts: A Simple Egg Yolk Method

Tanning a Rabbit Pelt with Egg Yolk: A Simple Guide

Tanning rabbit pelts at home can be a rewarding experience. This simple method using egg yolks and a pickling solution will preserve your harvest and ensure a more durable pelt.

Here's what you'll need:

• Freshly skinned rabbit pelt
• One or two egg yolks
• Damp cloth
• Work surface
• Pickling solution (1 gallon water, 1 cup salt, 1 cup alum or citric acid) - Target pH: 1.5-2.0 (Use pH strips to monitor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pelt: Ensure the pelt is clean and free of any remaining flesh. Rabbit skin is very delicate and tears easily, so we use a spoon to flesh with, rather than the fleshing tools that we use on other hides.
2. Pickle the Pelt: This is to stop any hair slipping! Submerge the pelt in the pickling solution for 24-48 hours. Maintain a pH level between 1.5 and 2.0. You can adjust the pH by adding small amounts of baking soda to raise it or more alum / citric acid to lower it.
3. Apply Egg Yolk: Remove the pelt from the pickling solution and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Gently rub the egg yolk mixture with your hands onto the flesh side of the pelt, covering it completely.
4. Cover and Cure: Cover the pelt with a damp cloth to prevent the egg yolk from drying out completely. You'll need to re dampen the cloth a few times. Allow it to sit for 24-36 hours.  
5. Rinse and Dry: Gently wash off the egg yolk with cool water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces, i like to use Dawn washing up liquid at this point.
6. Drying: Carefully stretch the pelt and allow it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight.
7. Once dry, start stretching gently to soften it.