Preliminary Processing Methods and Key Technical Points for Raw Rabbit Hides

After tanning, rabbit hides can be made into collars, hats, children's coats and clothing, etc. They are both lightweight and attractive, and are very popular. Below are some commonly used preliminary processing methods for raw rabbit hides.

Selection of Rabbit Hides

When deciding whether to keep the hide of a slaughtered rabbit, the first step is to look and then to feel. First, look at the size of the rabbit and whether the fur is glossy. Hides from malnourished or diseased rabbits should not be used; hides with sparse, messy fur should not be used; hides from rabbits that are too small should not be used. Choose hides whose coat hair is glossy. Second, feel whether the hair sheds and whether the hide is thick and feels good. If the hair sheds or the hide is thin, it should not be used. Generally, hides from rabbits weighing about 2.5 kg and slaughtered in December are the best.

Handling of Rabbit Hides

Rabbit hides should be handled promptly after slaughter, otherwise they will become smelly, shed hair and rot. First, scrape off the residual meat and fat on the hide, then carry out drying.

Drying Method for Plain Dried Hides

1. Plain drying method for flat hides

① Stick the treated fresh rabbit hide onto a slightly rough wall (stretch it out into a rectangle as much as possible), press it firmly against the wall and let it dry naturally in a cool, shaded place. Note: when peeling the hide off, follow its direction and do not tear the rabbit hide.

② With the fur facing outward and the hide side facing inward, stretch the fresh hide into a rectangle and stick it on a mat; or with the fur facing inward, stretch the hide into a rectangle and sew it along the fur edge onto a mat, then let it dry naturally in a ventilated, cool place. Note: generally do not sun-dry the hide; after sun exposure it easily becomes an oil-soaked board and is hard to soak in water. It also must not be exposed to rain, otherwise it easily rots and sheds hair.

2. Plain drying method for tube hides

For a slaughtered tube hide, turn the fur inward and the hide side outward, and stuff it with waste paper, rags, etc. to make the inside bulge; alternatively, choose a bamboo strip 120 cm long and 3 cm wide, bend it into a bow shape, and put it inside the hide tube to prop it up. Tie the lower end of the hide with a clip or a small rope, hang it up to dry without curling the edges; in winter it can be dried in the sun.

The above methods are simple and easy to carry out, but are prone to insect and rodent damage.

Salt-Drying or Salt-Curing Method for Rabbit Hides

1. Salt-spreading method for rabbit hides

Spread a 3 cm thick layer of salt on a slightly slanted wooden board or cement floor, then evenly spread salt amounting to 30%-50% of the hide weight on the fresh hide side, stack them one by one to a height of 1.5 m and let them release "water", then further air-dry naturally for 6-8 days. If storing for a long time, the stack can be turned over a second time and salted again. The second salt amount is 15%-20% of the fresh hide weight. Note: refined salt is preferable for this method, because sea salt, especially sun-dried sea salt that has not been boiled, is poor in purity and contains many bacteria; it not only has a poor preservative effect but also easily causes salt spots and red spots, so it should not be used.

2. Salt-curing method for rabbit hides

① Put the fresh hide into a 24%-26% salt solution and soak for 16-24 hours, then shake it dry, hang the hide up to dry, and when its moisture content is about 20% it is ready.

② Put the fresh hide into a mixed solution containing 15%-20% salt, 2%-3% sodium carbonate and 1% sodium silicofluoride, and cure for 15-24 hours. Take it out, stack the hides on a slanted surface, and after half a month pack them up and store them.

Raw rabbit hides processed by this method do not become stiff and cracked, do not breed insects, and soften and absorb water well.

The above plain drying methods are suitable for dry regions or for hides taken in winter and cool seasons; if rabbits are slaughtered in hot, humid regions or in summer, using natural drying methods is problematic because high temperatures and damp, rainy conditions allow spoilage bacteria and pathogenic bacteria to multiply rapidly, causing hair to loosen and fall out. Therefore, salt-drying or salt-curing methods can be used to inhibit microbial reproduction and achieve preservation.