Homemade compost for beginner

[CADS]

Hi

I have managed to find any threads with advice on making homemade compost so will be really greatful if someone could pass on some information. I have never done it before and what I have seen from some threads is that it sounds easier than it actually is.

Can I add the used bedding and used woodshavings from my hamster's cage? The woodshaving not only include the contents of his bowels and urine but also left hamster food mix?

Finally, can I add small amounts of fresh horse manure?

Thanks a million
CADS

[OllieMartin]

Hi

I have managed to find any threads with advice on making homemade compost so will be really greatful if someone could pass on some information. I have never done it before and what I have seen from some threads is that it sounds easier than it actually is.

Can I add the used bedding and used woodshavings from my hamster's cage? The woodshaving not only include the contents of his bowels and urine but also left hamster food mix?

Finally, can I add small amounts of fresh horse manure?

Thanks a million
CADS

Yes to all the above, but be careful with the woodshavings, you'll need to balance it out with a large quantity of fresh organic matter (like the horse manure).

Ensure you have a good mix of fresh (green) and dead/dry (brown) materials, enough moisture, but not too much (moist not wet) and a circulation of air.
Lastly keep it covered to conserve heat, when it gets hot, that means it's working!

For a full list of what you can/can't put on the pile, check this handy page out (some genius must have compiled it!)
Compost - WikiGardener Wiki

[Two_Sheds]

If you are wanting to make potting compost (like the MPC that you buy) that's a different thing: leafmould

[CADS]

Ollliemartin - thank you for the informative link.

Twoshed - I actually have some leaves in black bag that have been forgotten in the garage since November. However, there aren't any holes in the bags. Do you think I can still use them as leaf mould or do they really need to have had holes pierced in the bags? I have been to scared to open them :O

CADS