I've been rolling cork ball pop ups and really got the hang of it now. Just wondering the best way to dry them without them cracking ? The last batch I made like 30% of them started cracking, are they drying too fast ? shall I put them in a cooler place to dry ? Just not sure where I'm going wrong. I've been drying them on kitchen roll under the stairs, all the copper pipes for the heating run through there so thinking that might be why they are cracking but not sure. Wouldnt say it got overly warm in there.
In reply to Post #1
Don't force dry them, dont use excessive heat or leave in the sun.
Don't force dry them, dont use excessive heat or leave in the sun.
In reply to Post #1
You seem to be doing ok. Not enough good binders, like egg albumin in the mix, perhaps.
What type of mix is it, fishmeal, birdfood, protein, Nut mix ?
All Corkballs need T.L.C during the drying out process or need certain tweaks - Patience is key.
Roll them around every day, A steady room temperture, and no sun or radiators nearby.
You are not far off a nice process. T.B.F.
You seem to be doing ok. Not enough good binders, like egg albumin in the mix, perhaps.
What type of mix is it, fishmeal, birdfood, protein, Nut mix ?
All Corkballs need T.L.C during the drying out process or need certain tweaks - Patience is key.
Roll them around every day, A steady room temperture, and no sun or radiators nearby.
You are not far off a nice process. T.B.F.
In reply to Post #1
Like the others said, store them in a room with a stable temperature and out of the sun. I shake mine up every couple of days. I store mine in small paper bags (lunch size). I use my bottom bait mix but sieve out the bigger chunks for a smoother paste.
Like the others said, store them in a room with a stable temperature and out of the sun. I shake mine up every couple of days. I store mine in small paper bags (lunch size). I use my bottom bait mix but sieve out the bigger chunks for a smoother paste.
In reply to Post #3
I'm using John bakers milk protein Hookbait mix. It says on the description hardners already added so I haven't added anymore. I don't have any problems with my fish meal ones they are fine. I only made 30 to try them out so il do some more and try drying them somewhere else. If they crack again I know it's the mix. I've got egg albumen powder so can always add a little more. I've got the mix and rolling perfect now is just the drying out. I may try a paper bag and see how that goes.
I'm using John bakers milk protein Hookbait mix. It says on the description hardners already added so I haven't added anymore. I don't have any problems with my fish meal ones they are fine. I only made 30 to try them out so il do some more and try drying them somewhere else. If they crack again I know it's the mix. I've got egg albumen powder so can always add a little more. I've got the mix and rolling perfect now is just the drying out. I may try a paper bag and see how that goes.
In reply to Post #5
Don't know the % of milk proteins in the mix you are using, but most of mine are around 45 to 55 %. I've had these slightly crack when drying in front of a radiator. It's probably due to the milk protein content and as already said, it's better to to allow them to dry more naturally. However, don't write off any slight cracking as a disaster. The fish won't mind and any liquids that you apply to them will probably be absorbed more readily.
Don't know the % of milk proteins in the mix you are using, but most of mine are around 45 to 55 %. I've had these slightly crack when drying in front of a radiator. It's probably due to the milk protein content and as already said, it's better to to allow them to dry more naturally. However, don't write off any slight cracking as a disaster. The fish won't mind and any liquids that you apply to them will probably be absorbed more readily.