This was our first time dissecting owl pellets so I have no comparison. were soft (therefore they were easier to dissect). All had many bones, but the harder ones, most broke trying to pull them out. Also, we did all 6 at once (2 kids) and had to take a break because the dust was so bad it was irritating our sinuses and eyes. So watch out - maybe do them outside (unlike us) to make it easier for you to breathe. Especially if your child has asthma!