I have a few shells that I've done some work with. After butchering the turtles, I cleaned as much of the meat and skin off the shells as possible. Then I salted the shells really well and let them sit in the garage to dry out for a few months. (Hot summer months are the best for drying.) This also lets them air out, so they won't smell as bad. Then you have to make sure all the algae and muck is off the outside of the shell (that stuff really stinks). To do this, I used a wire brush (the kind that you can attach to a drill). It took all the muck off and really polished them up nice. After that, it's up to you to do what you want with them. What do you have planned to use them for, if I may ask?
[This message has been edited by MWP (edited March 21, 2001).]
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