Although this is a sensitive subject for some, I need to ask about tanning a pelt...

I have recently lost one of my best alpacas (he got stuck in a fence and strangled).  His fleece regrowth was quite stunning, and I also wanted something to remember him by... so I had a friend come over and remove his pelt.  I found this a fascinating although somewhat emotional experience.  But the friend was aware of how hard this was for me to do, so was very thoughtful and careful and almost tender in his approach to the task.  Clearly I'm not from a farming background!

I now have a salted pelt and am looking for a place to send it for tanning.  I have had a response from the Geenhalg tannery in Victoria, but wondered if anybody had used any other tannery for tanning of pelts - particularly alpaca pelts.

If you can recommend any tannery, please post here or e-mail me privately at samsuri@tpg.com.au

Thanks
Robyn

I've received a few personal e-mails, but mostly people asking if I've found somewhere.

I'm very surprised that there are so few places that will do this.  This could be the business opportunity you've been looking for!!!

I have contacted at least 6 tanneries and so far only one is taking alpaca pelts.  The others only deal in large quantities, or have stopped taking alpaca (didn't say why).

I've just posted the hide off to Greenhalgh tannery in Victoria.  Express post was around $20. Tanning will cost between $75 and $150 - they will provide exact price once they see the hide.  It will take about 8-10 weeks.

I'll let you know how it looks when it comes back, and what the actual cost was for those that might be looking to do the same.

I will also be buying a home tanning kit.  I kept a section of neck to try my hand at tanning.  But it is time consuming and I've been warned it can be a bit "icky", so I'm unsure if I will want to do it myself.

Anyway, stay tuned and I'll let you all know how my home tanning goes, and also how the professional tanning goes!

Cheers
Robyn