Sending it to the county compost pile, ;-)

Raccoons are very bad, I don't imagine much will keep them out, especially once they find a source. Hardware cloth on bottom and sides might be enough, cinder block w a hardware cloth bottom might also be a consideration.

I didn't have any problems last year, though I did see a mouse running around the outside several times, I turned my pile last week and nearly freaked when I found 5 clear/pinkish embryo looking things. They didn't have eyes open, so I was concerned they might be moles or voles blech! I feel a little bit bad, but I had a shovel in hand and don't think I left them incubating, I may have to abandon my pile if they aren't fully cooked next turning.

Hi Dave,

I've been having a bit of the same problem so this is what I plan to do this summer. I haven't quite decided on which one I like better but I think I'm leaning towards the all wood one just because it will look neater.

Wood Compost Bin

Wood and Wire Compost Bin

Hope this helps.

Val

By keeping the bottom off the ground, the rats cannot get into the bin. It also allows for better ventilation amd makes each bin a stand alone unit. As a stand alone unit, you can add or remove bins at any time.

Lids don't need to be hinged at the very back. Break the lid at a place that's comfortable for your height.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wooden Compost Bin

The truth is that if you are going to live in the country you are going to have critters. Fact of life. Accept it. ;) But that doesn't mean you are necessarily going to have problems.

We are 20 miles from anywhere, in the woods, and have every critter imaginable. Yet we compost in both very large open piles, fence bins sitting on the ground, and large wood bins with few problems.

Raccoons, armadillos, and possums may explore the piles now and then if we don't get the food scraps buried well in the center but they don't hurt anything and mix it up some for us in the process. And mice and their babies as well as packrats, groundhogs, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and all their friends see shelter there in the winter and likely wander through them on occasion too in the summer but with no problems.

In fact the only serious problems we have had in all the years here is deer eating the corn, raccoons stealing the hummingbird feeders, and armadillos rototilling the garden beds for us - not a bad deal but their timing is off. ;)

Dave

PS: rj - can't believe anyone would actually abandon a compost pile just because of some baby mice! They'll be gone in no time.

ok, I looked up a pic of baby mice, might have been what they were. The thought of voles or moles that would move into my raised beds was too much for me too handle.

digdirt, I have no problem living amongst the wildlife here...it's part of the whole reason for being here. I'm not afraid or squeemish or even annoyed by them for that matter, I just don't want to feed them enough so that they all call their friends to my garden. We've got our garden fenced, but once the racoons find out there's food (aside from the birdfeeders they've already found :/ ) there'll be no stopping them! I think I'll make up the wooden one that was posted here, and line if with hardware fabric. Maybe a waste, but worth a try.

I just don't want to feed them enough so that they all call their friends to my garden.

They don't send out invitations. ;) Raccoons, like most wildlife, are very territorial. They will run off any other intruders except for a mother who will allow previous season's 1 or 2 kits and a mate is allowed to drop by briefly for a visit in January or February.

Dave

Some neighbors have had problems with Raccoons, Opossums, Mice, etc. in there compost piles while I have not seen any evidence of them in mine. Most of those neighbors simply toss stuff onto their compost piles, while I maintain a shredded leaf cover over the kitchen scraps. Very often the neighbors compost piles will have an off odor, anaerobic digestion, and that could also attract these critters.
If your compost pile draws in unwanted "guests" look at what you are doing because there is a problem with how you are composting. Even from Day 1 your compost pile should only smell like good, rich earth, it should never smell putrid, or otherwise offensive and if it does, even a little, there is a problem and mostly what I have found is that the material is simply too wet.

Maybe racoons don't have parties but I'm gonna tell you for SURE that gray squirrels have parties!! :) or maybe I mean :(

I kid you not what started as one/two has now become 8/12!! My dog can't even scare them off! I've had to stop feeding the birds.

That's whats got me concerned about food scraps, but I think kimmsr may have a point. I'll just keep it covered and turned and cagged in and maybe I'll have no problems.
I still like the all wooden bin posted here, so maybe this weekend I'll put one together... Wish me luck! :)