A Comprehensive Guide to Composting Pet Hair and Fur

Can You Compost Pet Hair and Fur?

Yes, we can compost pet hair and fur! Hair and fur contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen that are beneficial for plant growth. In the composting world, they are considered "green materials." However, it's important to note that pet fur has an extremely high carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of around 150:1, which is much higher than the ideal ratio of 30:1. This means that fur and hair break down slowly, taking anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to fully decompose. While we can compost fur and hair, they require some special care compared to other materials. To learn more about the ideal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for composting, check out this informative article from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Best Practices for Composting Pet Fur and Hair

To effectively compost pet fur and hair, we recommend following these guidelines:

Cut It Up

Before adding fur and hair to our compost pile, we should break up clumps and shred longer hair. This increases the surface area for microbes to act on, accelerating the decomposition process. A compost shredder can make this task easier and more efficient.

Mix It In

We must distribute fur and hair evenly throughout our compost pile. Clumps of hair resist decomposition, so it's crucial to mix them in well with other materials. Using a pitchfork or compost aerator can help ensure proper mixing.

Balance It Out

To create a better C:N ratio, we should add high-nitrogen materials like food scraps alongside the hair. This provides microbes with the nutrients they need to break down the fur efficiently. Our ebook, "Master the Green-Brown Mix," offers valuable insights on achieving the perfect balance in your compost pile.

Avoid Chemical Treatments

We should not compost fur or hair that has been chemically treated for issues like fleas. These chemicals can harm our compost and the beneficial microbes within it. It's best to stick to untreated fur and hair.

Maintain Proper Moisture

Dampness is key for decomposition. If hair makes our pile too dry, we can add water or wet foods like fruit scraps. Good airflow will also help maintain the right moisture level. A moisture meter can help us monitor the moisture content of our compost pile.

By following these guidelines and ensuring the right balance and care, we can enrich our soil with pet fur and hair without any issues.

What Types of Animal Hair and Fur Can We Compost?

We can safely compost most types of pet hair and fur, including:

• Dog Fur - Very compostable when mixed in and balanced according to the guidelines above.
• Cat Fur - Compostable like dog fur, as long as clumps are broken up before composting.
• Small Pet Fur - Fur from rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and other small animals can be composted.
• Livestock Hair/Fur - Hair from cows, horses, sheep, goats, alpacas, and other livestock is fine to compost.
• Feathers - We should break feathers up before adding them to our compost pile.
• Human Hair - Like pet fur, we should mix human hair in rather than leaving it in clumps.

With a bit of effort on the front end, we can effectively compost hair and fur from most pets and animals.

What Pet Waste Should We Avoid Composting?

While hair and fur are compostable, we should keep certain types of pet waste out of our backyard compost piles:

• Dog & Cat Feces - These can contain pathogens harmful to compost microbes.
• Cat Litter - Even compostable litters can contain germs, so it's best not to risk it.
• Chicken/Bird Droppings - There is a risk of transmitting diseases through compost.

For pet poop, we recommend using a specific dog waste composter rather than mixing it into our main compost pile. Products like the Doggy Dooley safely break it down underground without contact with food composts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Composting Pet Hair and Fur

Can we compost dog fur?

Yes. As a nitrogen source, dog fur decomposes well when shredded and mixed into compost properly, following the general guidelines we've discussed.

Can we compost cat fur?

Cat fur composts just as well as dog fur. We should take care to break up clumps and mats before adding it to our compost pile to increase the surface area for decomposition.

How long does pet fur take to break down in compost?

Due to its extremely high carbon content, pet fur can take 6 months to 2 years to fully decompose. This is normal, as long as we balance and mix it according to the guidelines.

Can pet hair go in green bins/curbside collection?

Rules differ by municipality. Some accept pet fur in curbside green bins, while others do not. We should check our local guidelines before putting pet fur in curbside compost.

Can we compost human hair?

Yes. Like animal fur, human hair naturally breaks down in compost piles with proper moisture and mixing. We should chop up longer hair before adding it to the compost.

Can we compost feathers?

Feathers can be composted much like fur and hair. We should cut or tear them up beforehand for easier breakdown. They can take 6+ months to decompose fully.

By following this comprehensive guide, we can confidently compost pet hair and fur safely and effectively. With these tips, our furry friends can help fertilize our gardens for years to come. If you have any other composting questions, feel free to ask!