Hello guys,
I own a chicken paw since several years now (covered with some black wax?) I got it as a present from a strange girl who bought it in a voodoo shop in New Orleans.
Since it is dangling from my mirror in my car since years - throughout all seasons - it went a bit "sticky" - do you think/know if such a thing can get toxic?
weird question - I know.
the paranoid chicken wing...

best,
T

If it wasn't preserved right it could rot, but that's it. I could be wrong.

You're not planning on eating it are you ;-)

I'd worry about infestation. Is it "sticky" because little creepy crawly things are crawling around in it to help its natural decomposition process? Did it have any kind or urithane, oil, or other protective coating on it (the wax, maybe)?

My nutria paws have held up pretty well, but I do know of people who have had to get taxidermy specimens de-bugged after an infestation.

Chris

If anything were to "grow" on it, as long as you do not go about eating it (this means wash your hands after handling it) you should be okay. One way to check for insects is to use some paper, opposite color of the thing, and some wide clear sticky tape. Set it on the paper overnight and look closely wtih a magnifier. if things are moving, you might have bugs, if there is a powder or other debris, then you might have bugs, or you might have fungus/bacteria, etc. We used to put things into a box with a few mothballs for a week or so and then air them out to get rid of small insects.
k

If that paw starts to move I would get worried

If the paw starts to move take it on tour...

seriously, should be fine... the sticky may be from temp change and the aging wax.

Sorry, I meant "urethane" and not "urithane." If there is a such thing, I am sure that it does the exact opposite of "urethane" as far as preserving a prop.

Chris

Thanks guys..

Best,
T