Fermentation not starting after 24hrs, should I shake it?

[uofmguy]

Hi,
So I've boiled and pitched my first batch of beer and after 24hrs, I haven't seen any action from the airlock. Should I shake it around to try and aerate it?

 

[Rockn_M]

We are going to need a little more information like what was your Original Gravity, what type of yeast did you pitch and how much, how many gallons of wort do you have, what is the current temperature of the wort?

Also know that airlock activity is not a good indication that fermentation has not started. It can take up 36-48 hours for visible signs of fermentation to start showing.

 

[flars]

Don't start worrying until at least 72 hours has past. If you are using a bucket there may never be bubbling in the airlock. Most buckets don't seal so the CO2 escapes around the rim. This is not a problem though.
Some fermenting buckets are designed for use without an air lock.

 

[uofmguy]

My OG was 1.049 with 4 gallons of wort. I pitched a dry yeast, but I forgot the name because I was using a kit since its my first brew. The temp range is 64-70 though and the temp is 64F.

And cool. Good to know that it could just take a little longer.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Rockn_M]

My OG was 1.049 with 4 gallons of wort. I pitched a dry yeast, but I forgot the name because I was using a kit since its my first brew. The temp range is 64-70 though and the temp is 64F.

And cool. Good to know that it could just take a little longer.

Thanks for the help!

I wouldn't even think about it until at least 36 hours. When pitching yeast there is a lag time from when you pitch to fermentation start. This is the time the yeast are getting use to their environment and get ready to start making beer. You’ll probably see signs of fermentation in the next day or so.

 

[BigFloyd]

You're probably just fine. No need to shake it.

You may want to look into how to rehydrate dry yeast for the next batch. That will give you a higher cell count and reduce the lag time. I've always gotten a longer lag when I sprinkle it dry into the wort or juice (for cider) vs. when I rehydrate.