Compost Bin lids/roofs on or off?

My current compost bin is falling apart and has served me well throughout the years. I'm currently designing a new one and making improvements on the current one.

One thing I'm not sure about though is if I should put a roof/lid on it or not to keep the water off or not. My ones at the allotment seem to be rotting down quicker, but I wonder if that's because they have more waste in them...

Your thoughts?

 

Personally I've always kept the lid on. As the post above says, excess water can lead to soluble nutrients being lost. However, it may be worth removing it if no rain is predicted on warm summer days in order to aid hot composting.
I've also noticed a few pigeons near my grandad's compost before... I don't know if this a widespread issue but personally I'd rather my food stayed in the compost heap rather than in the pigeon's bellies! Just another reason to keep a lid on... not entirely sure if rotten-food-pinching-pigeons actually exist though!

 

Hmmmm - my new compost bins do not have lids. During the summer, they are quite sheltered by deciduous trees next door. Should I see if I can make covers for them?
(Would probably have to be a tough plastic on a wooden frame)

 

If they are quite sheltered you might be OK. It really is down to personal choice and you don't HAVE to put a lid on, especially now that it's getting warmer and heavy rainfall is few and far between. Some moisture can actually be good for your compost so it really is up to you about how much moisture you think is too much.

 

I've cut s piece of Damp proof membrane that I had left ove and have covered mine with this. I checked it the other day and it is really hot I stuck a fork in and it is actually steaming in the middle. Before I had old compost bags on, but the bin never got hot. And it's really easy to remove if needs be.

Rusty

 

What I'm most interested in is who's the dog?

 

That's Izzy, my girl, or little princess (doesn't do puddles, needs to sleep on the sofa or bed next to you). If the dog is hairy, wearing a black collar, and looks like he's thinking which paw to move next, that'll be Harley. Not the sharpest tool in the block, but he luurves you!!