Yay, I seem to have found likeminded people who are as messed up in the head as me. The better half can't understand my fascination with my compost box. I started ours about 6 weeks ago, and one week ago the first compartment was full, thanks to a little clean up operation in the coop. Took about 2 days for it to really get started, and it has now been cooking at maybe 60 deg C in the middle since then.
I'm using an insulated box, so it gets really hot (if I stick my fingers into the compost, I can't keep them there for more than 5 seconds), and I'm really amazed about how quickly the stuff is decomposing. After only a week, everything has turned black already. I did have a slight issue with odors, but I added a layer of hemp bedding on top to tie up any nitrogen that was evaporating (And it was a lot - when I turn it I have to hold my breath, loads of ammonia being set free). The added carbon seems to have really helped with the smell.
My question is, once this thing has cooled down, how long should I wait before using it? Of course if it still has a strong smell to it, it will need to rest, but is a few weeks of cooling time enough before it can be put to use in the garden?
And to anyone considering composting, a word of warning. It's really addictive, and makes you do weird things. I'm currently keeping a journal of the development of my compost in it's own thread. Not normal behavior at all.