Compost, hemcore and cardboard help

[furball]

I have 2 large pallet compost bins. Does the hemcore from the chicken run mean i don't need as much cardboard putting in. There are loads of twiggy bits in and these tend to make air pockets and both bins have a bed of branches at the bottom to allow air in.
Do i keep the bins covered and just keep watering them or is it best to leave uncovered and let the rain water them and just make sure they don't dry out in dry spells.
Just going to turn them today so can raid green bin for cardboard if needed Thankyou

[Glutton4...]

I'd say turn it first and see. If it's too dry add water and green stuff, if it's too dry add some torn-up cardboard.

My compost is made up of weeds, prunings, horse manure, grass mowings, shredded paper and chicken coop poo/bedding. I don't cover mine as it is the north side of a tall conifer hedge, so doesn't get a lot of rain, but it was quite damp when I turned it a couple of moths ago.

[furball]

Thankyou, will turn it and see, it definately needs watering so i think i am going to keep the cover off.