Hi Mark, it's unlikely you warmed it to death unless it reached temperatures close to 140ºF, but for best results I would recommend staying in the 70-80ºF range. A starter gradually rises to a peak as it fills with bubbles throughout, and then as fermentation slows down and the bubbles begin to deflate and rise to the surface, the starter will also deflate and ultimately return to the level where it began, with small bubbles lingering on the surface. If that's what you're seeing then I wouldn't worry. As I've indicated in earlier replies, it's not uncommon for a starter that shows an initial burst of activity, to experience a lull in rising around day 4 that can go on for several days, so if that's what's going on with your starter you might want to consider trying the alternative feeding routine I suggested to Lily below.
March 27, 2020 at 2:01pm
In reply to Is it normal for new starter… by Mark (not verified)
Hi Mark, it's unlikely you warmed it to death unless it reached temperatures close to 140ºF, but for best results I would recommend staying in the 70-80ºF range. A starter gradually rises to a peak as it fills with bubbles throughout, and then as fermentation slows down and the bubbles begin to deflate and rise to the surface, the starter will also deflate and ultimately return to the level where it began, with small bubbles lingering on the surface. If that's what you're seeing then I wouldn't worry. As I've indicated in earlier replies, it's not uncommon for a starter that shows an initial burst of activity, to experience a lull in rising around day 4 that can go on for several days, so if that's what's going on with your starter you might want to consider trying the alternative feeding routine I suggested to Lily below.
Barb