Make sure whatever bin you make/use that it has good ventilation. That's the key to getting it to heat up and break down quickly. Ideally all compost utilizing animal manure should be "hot". They have thermometers that you can use but I just judge it by feel.
Before I started composting last year, I went to the local library.... there are tons of great gardening books on the subject. I like the info in Elliot Colleman's book(s). I do have to say though that some people make this process very complicated.... I just have a loose pile, I water it in when its dry, and I turn it when it "shrinks". It should not have a bad odor at all, maybe a "musty" smell but it should never smell bad.
Before I started composting last year, I went to the local library.... there are tons of great gardening books on the subject. I like the info in Elliot Colleman's book(s). I do have to say though that some people make this process very complicated.... I just have a loose pile, I water it in when its dry, and I turn it when it "shrinks". It should not have a bad odor at all, maybe a "musty" smell but it should never smell bad.