Compost Bin Recommendations?

[AllAboutChicks]

I'm planning to start composting soon and I'm looking for tumbler or other composting recommendations. Pros, cons, etc. Like.. I have X and I love it! Or.. I've used X in the past, what a waste of money! Stupid thing broke in a month!
I'm looking at tumblers or other small system composting bins. If I had land, I'd probably just do diy open pallet 3 side bins that I could fence off from my adventurous, nosy pup..
Since that's not in the cards. Here I am!
What have people used? What do you like, love, hate?
I'll be using for wood shavings, chicken manure, and other yard/garden waste.

 

[MaryJanet]

Sorry for piggybacking on your Q @AllAboutChicks but I plan to get one of these https://www.compostinghome.com.au/products/earthmaker-the-aerobic-composter

I'd love to know if anyone's tried it and what they thought of it.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

A lot depends on how much you have to compost, and how much space. Tumblers are nice because they are contained and easy to turn materials in. But they don't hold much and keeping the carbon/nitrogen ratio correct can be a challenge.

Something larger takes up more space, but holds more, allows you to add an appropriate level of "browns/carbon", but tend to be harder to turn or require a bit more work.

I like the GeoBin, as it's super simple, holds a decent amount, and is very low tech. You need to move it and then put the material back in to turn things, and it's not totally closed, so pests might be a concern, but you can't beat the simplicity of it.

https://www.amazon.com/BanKhok-Geob...t=&hvlocphy=9002189&hvtargid=pla-835533376075

 

[NNYchick]

A lot depends on how much you have to compost, and how much space. Tumblers are nice because they are contained and easy to turn materials in. But they don't hold much and keeping the carbon/nitrogen ratio correct can be a challenge.

Something larger takes up more space, but holds more, allows you to add an appropriate level of "browns/carbon", but tend to be harder to turn or require a bit more work.

I like the GeoBin, as it's super simple, holds a decent amount, and is very low tech. You need to move it and then put the material back in to turn things, and it's not totally closed, so pests might be a concern, but you can't beat the simplicity of it.

https://www.amazon.com/BanKhok-Geob...t=&hvlocphy=9002189&hvtargid=pla-835533376075

Do you think this would work in corner of the run? What are the dimensions? I’m wondering if I can encourage the chickens to fly in it and help turn it.

 

[neo71665]

I use a 55 gallon drum. I've seen complex plans where they are on a stand but I have the space and just roll mine around on the ground.

 

[igorsMistress]

This is what I suggest, it’s super cheap, simple and effective.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Do you think this would work in corner of the run? What are the dimensions? I’m wondering if I can encourage the chickens to fly in it and help turn it.

It might - you could put a scrap of lumber up the outside to make a “ramp” for them to walk up and hop in.

Alternatively, fill the bin, let it sit a few weeks, then take it apart and move it. Let the flock tear the pile to shreds, then load the material back into the bin, knowing it’s well turned and aerated.

 

[NNYchick]

It might - you could put a scrap of lumber up the outside to make a “ramp” for them to walk up and hop in.

Alternatively, fill the bin, let it sit a few weeks, then take it apart and move it. Let the flock tear the pile to shreds, then load the material back into the bin, knowing it’s well turned and aerated.

I did order a Geobin. I’m probably not going to put it the run as it will take up too much space.
My next question is I use poop boards under my roost with sweet PDZ. Will the PDZ slow down the composting as it is meant to absorb the nitrogen and release it slowly.

 

[Percheron chick]

If you have limited space, just use the run as your compost bin. Dump everything in the run and let the chickens work it. You will need to sift the chunks out in the spring to get the fine finished compost. Gives the chickens some valuable entertainment in the middle of winter.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

I did order a Geobin. I’m probably not going to put it the run as it will take up too much space.
My next question is I use poop boards under my roost with sweet PDZ. Will the PDZ slow down the composting as it is meant to absorb the nitrogen and release it slowly.

Let us know how you like the Geobin.

On the PDZ, my guess is that it may slow decomposition slightly, but not enough to change things significantly.

In some ways it may help as it’ll capture nitrogen that likely other would have drifted off in the air.