First batch rookie, couple questions

[Manus_Dei]

So, I started my first batch 5 days ago. It is a honey ale made from a kit and I have a couple questions.

1) I am curious for any veteran's take on whether I should rack my first batch to secondary or let it sit in primary for two weeks.

2) How should I go about assessing the gravity of the beer -- do I do that when I am going to rack to secondary? Or do I rack after I've checked for an acceptable gravity on consecutive days?

I've been reading through a few homebrewing books, but haven't come across anything that answers these questions.

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[NordeastBrewer77]

1) totally up to you, I wouldn't, but many would. Either way is fine.

2) take readings first. Once you have stable FG readings over a few days, then it's ok to rack it off the main yeast cake.

 

[stevehardt]

IMHO, leave it it primary. To each his own, but I never use a secondary

 

[unionrdr]

Me too. I only use secondary when oaking or the like. Leave it in primary till it hits a stable FG. Then give it 3-7 more days to clean up by products of fermentation & settle out clear or slightly misty.