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what to do with Rabbit and Guinea pig wood chippings and Hay ?
riggermortice
Posts: 5
Two years ago we where given these two animals from a neighbour, and have since gained an abundance of waste bedding and wood chippings which i have been adding to the compost heap along with grass clipping and garden waste, and also using as a mulch around the plants on the plot, which eventually gets dug in, so the question is, will the wood chip in the compost heap eventually break down and is it wise to use the raw wood chip on the plot and dig it in,?
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I find it doesn't rot down as quickly as some other stuff, but I don't see it as an issue because it creates some air pockets which is beneficial, especially on clay soil.
It doesn't affect plants in my experience - I planted loads into ground that had manure from where I work. The shavings were largely still there, even though the manure was well rotted. Everything grew like mad!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The wood chps will eventually rot in the compost heap and the trick to helping this to happen quickly is mixing in lots of green matter, with the grass clippings you mention being ideal. To help the process you can add diluted 'recycled beer' (if you catch my drift!) Basically, the bacteria which help decompose wood chippings need a lot of nitrogen which is really all 'compost accelerators' are. That leads the the issue with using wood chips directly on the soil; They will take nitrates from it so it's not a good idea to use them 'raw'.
Unexpected tip from BobTG there!!
Would you recommend that potion for general composting too??
Apparently only male urine works though AuntyRach. I don't think I can go and ask a neighbour if he wants to pee in my compost bin though....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Female works too but just not as well because it's slightly more acidic so get up on that there compost heap!!!
I'm pretty sure there was mention on a previous thread about standing on the shed roof or hanging hoses out the bathroom window...
Hand your neighbour a watering can and smile sweetly FG. He'll get the idea.
Last edited: 27 July 2016 21:15:34
Hi Fairygirl both genders pee works equally as well - it just easier for a man!
Thank you all for your help in this matter, i shall now purchase large amounts of beer and happily water the heap on a regular basis.
Just researching about 'liquid gold'... amazing! I love that I learn something new everyday on this forum!
Fairygirl: there are on-line sites where you can buy unwanted items - Pee-Bay!!
Last edited: 27 July 2016 21:18:02
AuntyRach!
Sorry - couldn't resist!