I agree with fishdog, Tom... It is best if the hide is completely dry. Let the Borax soak up all of the moisture, then take the skin (bird, squirrel, deer or whatever) outside and beat the heck out of it with a stick to get all of the Borax off of it. OBVIOUSLY you can't do this too hard with a feathered pelt because you'll knock all the feathers off it, but you at least need to shake the dickens out of it. Once the Borax is gone, then put them in ziploc's to keep the bugs out and you'll be fine! Enjoy your new materials.!!!