'Something's' moved into the compost bin

[Anniemcc2]

A week ago noticed that 'something' had been digging at the base of the compost bin as there was a heap of compost outside of the bin - and it's not our Jack Russell as she's always with me or OH.

Today it's happened again and I can just see where 'it's' getting in - right round the back against the wall.

The bin is on uneven ground with plenty of ventilation at ground level. Had to anchor it when first set up with tent pegs otherwise it ended up in next door's garden whenever we had strong winds.

Any ideas as to what it could be as I'm getting wary of lifting the lid to throw in the veg peelings in case 'something' jumps out at me!

[astral276]

Hedgehog? About the time of year they look for a winter retreat. Hence the caution to always check any bonfires built for November 5th.

[pique]

Probably a rat - we had one that made a lovely home in our bin. You probably need to empty it and start again by burying the bin as much as possible and attaching some heavy duty wire to the bottom before you bury it. Probably best to empty the bin with the dog in attendance!

[deltadelta48]

Yikes, I am afraid to open the lid to put anything in. I have a little door on the side that mysteriously keeping popping off, so maybe,,,,,,,,

This summer I had ground bees take up residence and they were a terror, just like in the movies, they rushed out and chased me all around the yard.

Lets hope is it something friendly in mine and yours. Heck, another thing to add to the worry list.

[Anniemcc2]

Oh, heck - if it's a rat, I'm done for. I sincerely hope not.

At our last house we had field mice in the bin over the winter, but they were so tiny,so apart from the initial shock, they weren't a big problem.

[pique]

I'm terrified of rats so encouraged this one to leave for a while by banging on the side of the bin and pouring water in it. Once I was fairly sure it had gone I emptied the bin. One sure way to find out is to put a carrot or potato whole in there and see if revealing knawing marks are left. Ours ate a whole large potato in a few hours! and that way I knew it was something pretty big.

[MHTTrading]

It could also be a grass snake as they tend to inhabit compost bins to keep warm in winter whist they hibernate

[Anniemcc2]

But would grass snakes dig out 2 bucket loads of compost?

I'm almost convinced it's a rat and the bin's going to have to be emptied - somehow

Have taken the lid off and tipped in 3 buckets of water + it's raining again. Hopefully, whatever it is will take the hint.

[pique]

If you get a pest control person in they'll probably empty the bin for you too. Try the council, in some areas its still free.

QUOTE=Anniemcc2;1094978]But would grass snakes dig out 2 bucket loads of compost?

I'm almost convinced it's a rat and the bin's going to have to be emptied - somehow

Have taken the lid off and tipped in 3 buckets of water + it's raining again. Hopefully, whatever it is will take the hint.[/QUOTE]

[lejoueurdepipeau]

I went to the shed at the bottom of the garden with our youngest to fetch her bike one day when we lived in the UK, opened the door and a rat scuttled across the floor. OH hearing my squeak came to the door of the house and said "What's the matter?"..... Well, we had neighbours didn't we - so I'm mouthing "there's a R........ A........T....... in the shed"!!
OH says "What?" So youngest says, helpfully at the top of her voice, "Daddy , Mummy says there's a rat in the shed".

Children - who'd have 'em!!