OK, many years ago, about 5 or 6 easily, I started 4 compost bins and
then for some reason we stopped composting proper and just left them.

Recently however, with a change in circumstances came a change in the
amount of time I now have to sort out all those jobs Ive never gotten
round to and that includes the garden.

Recently I took off the compost bin itself from one of the smaller
heaps and broke it up as it had an ant nest in it, but the others have
been left until today.

Well, one we have started adding to recently as we have 3 chickens now
and we've been adding the poo and the bedding etc to that (a months
worth if that) but its looking like its acting, however this was thrown
on top of the 5 or 6 year old previous compost without doing anything
to it.

the 3rd and 4th bins (actually old water butts that have now actually
degraded and cracked and are now useless) I have removed today.

Strangely, both sets of compost are completely different!

One looks all lumpy, as in layered and cloying and difficult to break
up with the spade the other looks like proper compost nearly, pure
chalk and cheese!

Here's the pics comparing them, the first 2 are of the layered clumpy
type

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...s/IMG_3503.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...s/IMG_3509.jpg

then the better looking compost, not as good as what it looks like shop
bought but looks like it's getting that way if you see what i mean

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...s/IMG_3510.jpg

So, now what Im wondering is , Im left with 2 proper compost bins
(plastic ones) so Im wondering if I should simply dig it all back in
together and restart the bins using it, maybe half in each or just fill
one up and top up then start the other one anew?

I would put it all into one. The chicken manure should help to break
it down. Is it a bit dry? May need wetting. Having had lids on all
this time it will have dried out somewhat.
In such situations it is usual to fill one bin (of whatever sort) and
then start on the next. By the time all 3 are full the first should
be down to half or less. Tip it out, fork it over, put it back and
give it a bit longer.

You should have some really good stuff.

Pam in Bristol

The first lot looks like grass cuttings which need to be turned otherwise it
clogs up like yours. Are there any worms in the second lot? I'd put it all
into one and try and encourage worms in it, the banded type,tiger,composting
whatever you call them.
The presence of ants does indicate too dry conditions.
You could maybe try and drill lots of holes in your containers as composting
does require air too.