Taking Furs out of Freezer

[Davetrp243]

After taking furs out of the freezer, is it ok to put them in a bucket of cold water, to speed the thawing process?? This is the first year putting up frozen furs, any tips? Any replies would be great, I need to get a jump on this. Thanks-David

[RdFx]

Depending how you put your furs in freezer will depend on the thawing out process.  If you put your furs in plastic bags rolled up it will take awhile. Bvr  rolled up flesh to flesh and in a ball will take approximately two days.  If you froze  rats, mink fur side out and seperately  they will thaw out within four to six hours.   If you put furs in freezer rolled up and not flat it always take much longer and depending upon temp in thawing rm.  Flat froze furs will thaw out much faster.   If you put furs in freezer and left them there a long time (longer than three months) and not in plastic bags you will have freezer burn and if put in COLD water it will absorb some water in dried spots and allow you to still flesh and stretch hide.  Any more specific questions fire away as every ones situation can be differant

[Davetrp243]

RdFx,
   Ok, so this morning I took 2 furs out, a rolled up coon and a rolled up gray fox. I need them fleshed tonight(was hoping to). Can I put them in a bucket of cold water to thaw them?? Or should I let them sit inside(75 deg in a sink)?

[RdFx]

You are rushing things on the coon.  That will take at least two days and fox  one  and half.   You can thaw out in water but will still take some time.   The coon and fox dont dry too good  while not on carcass but it can be done by brushing hair up and putting fan on.   If you have old washing machine you can put wet fur in and put it on spin and most of water will spin.  Out.   I used to have awringer washer that i washed my canines in and  put thru wringer in medium roller position to get water out and then fleshed and put on stretcher.  With fur wet it does take longer to dry. .  I wouldnt use 75 degree temps to thaw out  as some of hide will thaw faster than rest and depending upon time taking  you could end up with some fur slippage.   Any thing else.