Compost not heating up

[bassmaster17327]

Over the winter I made a pile to compost, it is mostly rabbit manure with a small amount of chicken manure and small amount of straw. It heated up to 150 and even melted the foot of snow that was on it, it cooled of and I pretty much ignored it. Now that I need that compost I went to dig into it and it is just a big slimy, smelly,goo mess. I know that the mix must be off now but I am unsure if I need more browns or more greens, any ideas?

[Bearfootfarm]

I pretty much ignored it.

I think it needed more air (stirring)

[hhhandyman]

Sounds like it needs air. Compost that's smelly and slimey is too wet and not getting enough oxygen to support the right kind (aerobic) of microbes to compost. The smell is caused by the anerobic microbes that thrive in the absence of oxygen. The wet spring we've all been experiencing is probably to blame. Turn the pile weekly until it dries up a bit; wouldnt hurt to add some straw to improve drainage. Cover the top of the pile with a tarp if you are still in a wet weather pattern.

[bassmaster17327]

Thank you, I just started turning it last week. I have been turning it everyday to try and keep it from packing together but it has rained everyday for the past five days

[jtjf_1]

You need more Carbon lots more Carbon. You are having anaerobic (no oxygen) digestion instead of aerobic (oxygen). If you add in more carbon it will help oxygen get in and will also add food for the little ones who make compost for you.

[Ross]

Its too dry and needs mixing

[Alice In TX/MO]

Needs leaves, straw, dry leafy stuff.

[jtjf_1]

Originally Posted by Ross

Its too dry and needs mixing

Its not to dry there ross they are saying it is slimy