OK, so I've taken the plunge. I did the water and flour thing last night; and my book says that by day 5 it will start bubbling. It bubbled after ONE day. Doubled in size. I've fed it, but do I need to start again.
The context is that it's truly freezing here, and the heating is bust in our kitchen. So it was in the airing cupboard. Mistake?
it is just the bad bacteria making the normal ruckus. Just hang in there and continue to follow the feeding schedule recommended. Completely normal for abnormal wee beasties at this time!
has done so well there thus far. 20 - 22 would be better but you have to live with what you have. It will probably die down then perk up and then do it all over again over the next week or so. The 2nd time this happens you will have the right stuff you are looking for.