First Time Fermenting

[MichellesChickens]

Last night I put some Scratch in the jar, figured I would add the pellets tonight. It hasn't really grown much in size in 24 hrs, is this normal before I add pellets? Blue mark is where it was when I first put it in last night.

 

[Sequoia Raven Bird Farms]

Last night I put some Scratch in the jar, figured I would add the pellets tonight. It hasn't really grown much in size in 24 hrs, is this normal before I add pellets? Blue mark is where it was when I first put it in last night.

It all depends on the feed used. Some grains swell more than others, for example oats swell more than corn and peas swell more than wheat.
The bacteria causing the fermentation (lacto-fermentation) produce gas so you might need to loosen your lid. A loosely screwed lid is best.

Sometimes the grain just needs more time, usually mine takes 48hrs to expand to it's greatest volume.

Here's a video from 'Welcome to Chickenlandia' for reference

Good luck!

 

[MichellesChickens]

It all depends on the feed used. Some grains swell more than others, for example oats swell more than corn and peas swell more than wheat.
The bacteria causing the fermentation (lacto-fermentation) produce gas so you might need to loosen your lid. A loosely screwed lid is best.

Sometimes the grain just needs more time, usually mine takes 48hrs to expand to it's greatest volume.

Here's a video from 'Welcome to Chickenlandia' for reference

Good luck!

Thank you. I added pellets to it last night too and still little expansion at 48 hrs. Now I'm really questioning if it's the feeds I use. I'll give it another 24 hrs and see where it's at.

 

[Sequoia Raven Bird Farms]

Thank you. I added pellets to it last night too and still little expansion at 48 hrs. Now I'm really questioning if it's the feeds I use. I'll give it another 24 hrs and see where it's at.

I think that could be it, good luck! Either way you are making the nutrients more bioavailable.
Hope it expands more for you.