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Squirrel droppings #846453

Asked August 20, 2023, 7:40 AM EDT

I have a lot of wood shavings from a horse stall that I want to compost, but since my horse died squirrels have nested in the shavings and left droppings and urine. Is it safe to compost with the squirrel stuff in it? Do I have to burn it instead?

Washington County Oregon

Expert Response

Well, wood shavings are always going to decompose slowly, even with horse, squirrel urine and droppings. I doubt there's any problem in composting this material. Give it plenty of water and time.
Linda J. Brewer, Senior Faculty Research Assistant II Replied August 26, 2023, 2:56 PM EDT

Thank you.  Will the compost be safe to use in a vegetable garden?  Or will parasites from the squirrel droppings make that unsafe?

The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2023, 9:04 PM EDT
Well, wood shavings are always going to decompose slowly, even with horse, squirrel urine and droppings. I doubt there's any problem in composting this material. Give it plenty of water and time.
Linda J. Brewer, Senior Faculty Research Assistant II Replied August 29, 2023, 5:03 PM EDT

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