Regular Oats Killed My Culture?

[Styx]

This has happened twice now. I didn’t have any quick oats, so I used regular oats and it’s been a few weeks now and my culture seems to have died. I’ve never heard/been told that regular oats could not be used if soaked for a while.

So did these regular oats kill my microworm cultures?

 

[Synirr]

I wouldn't think that would be the problem... I use regular ol' oatmeal in mine and it works just fine. You did add yeast to it, right?

 

[Styx]

That's what I though, and yet... Yeah, I did.

 

[Synirr]

If it isn't completely dead, maybe try adding some more yeast and put it in a warm spot?

 

[Styx]

Good idea. I'll do that.

 

[Synirr]

Sounds good
When my cultures slow down I add A ) more yeast B ) more oatmeal C ) more water. Generally they perk right up after that. The worms eat the yeast which is feeding off the oatmeal, so yeast is usually the thing I have to replenish first

 

[Joby]

Have you tried using bread instead?

I just break up a slice of bread, soak in water sprinkle on yeast and then add the culture. Seems to go on forever and I just keep adding soggy bread with yeast on to pick it up again I completely re-do them every month or so.

Hope your cultures pick up soon

 

[Styx]

Thanks. I added more yeast and put it in a wamrer place, hopefully, it's not totally dead. ;_; That would suck if it did. I need those worms!