In article ,
shaun wrote:

I'm new to the forum! I have a question - Every week when I clean out
the kid's hamster, I wonder if there is any reason why I shouldn't put
the wood shavings etc on the compost heap.

None at all, for a traditional heap. Wormeries won't touch it,
and it needs to be mixed well for bins. Don't worry about the
"nitrogen depletion" aspect, as there will be urea in it and the
depletion is only temporary anyway. See the FAQ (including Auld
Maclaren's Guide to Traditional Composting) - yes, I did compost
a complete duvet this winter :-)

As always, with woody material in the heap, it must be kept damp
and aerated, as the lignin is broken down by fungi.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.