First time fermenting some feed - questions

[Jenbirdee]

I used Nutrena Harvest Blend, Textured Layer Feed to start my first ferment . I used a half gallon sized jar and 2 cups of Feed , filled until covered by 3 inches of filtered drinking water above the feed. And using a very loose lid.

—will it be OK that some of the Feed is floating?
Especially the black seeds. I guess there are sunflower or something.

And how often should I stir it?

 

[thecatumbrella]

Some will float at first. So long as it's in the water (and not stuck on the sides), I've never had an issue. I stir once a day and ferment up to 3 days.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't specifically stir my FF, it gets mixed a bit as I serve it each day. It's normal for some components to be more buoyant than others.

 

[Jenbirdee]

ok thanks.
-how many hours after I first started is the best time to scoop some out and serve to birds?
- every time I scoop some out, I have to put more in, correct?

 

[Perris]

how many hours after I first started is the best time to scoop some out and serve to birds?

you know it's fermenting when you see little bubbles in the jar, like this

Once you've got it started, the next batch will be much quicker (assuming you reserve some of the liquor as a starter for the next batch).

 

[rosemarythyme]

-how many hours after I first started is the best time to scoop some out and serve to birds?
- every time I scoop some out, I have to put more in, correct?

I start serving after a day. And I don't backfill until there's not enough left in the jar for the next day's serving. My batches usually last 3-4 days.

As Perris mentioned subsequent batches will go faster since you're kickstarting it with whatever FF is left behind in the jar.