How to Prepare & Ship Your Bird
We gladly accept birds shipped from anywhere in the country. Follow these steps to make sure your bird arrives in the best possible condition.
Call or Email Before You Ship
Every species and situation is a little different. Before you ship, reach out so we know your bird is coming and can flag anything specific to its species, condition, or your state's regulations.
1. Cool or Freeze It Right Away
Do not gut, pluck, or wash your bird. Keep it as clean and dry as possible and get it cool quickly. If you can drop it off within a day or two of harvest, keep it refrigerated. Otherwise, wrap the head and feet in wet paper towels. Groom the feathers as best as possible to lay flat. Lay the head along the back of the bird. Place in a quality air tight freezer bag, get the air out, and seal it. Reach out if you have questions.
2. Fill Out a Toe Tag
Fill out a toe tag and attach it to your bird or package in a way where it will not fall off or get lost. Here is a downloadable .pdf.
3. Pack It for Shipping
For frozen birds, wrap the bird in its bag with a few layers of newspaper to cushion the feathers, then pack it in an insulated cooler or sturdy box with enough frozen gel packs or dry ice to keep it solid in transit. For same-day or overnight shipments, a well-sealed bag with a cold pack and towel padding is usually sufficient. Avoid anything that will crush the wings or tail feathers.
4. Ship It Overnight or 2-Day
Choose a shipping method that gets your bird to us as quickly as possible — overnight or two-day shipping is strongly recommended, especially in warmer months. Label the package “Perishable – Taxidermy Specimen” and let us know the tracking number once it's on its way.
Ship To
Ferrin Taxidermy
3225 W 2200 N
Ogden, UT 84404
Please call or email before shipping so we know to expect your bird.