Is it okay to add raw shrimp shells to a compost pile?

Question

I have started a compost pile in my backyard and so far I have only added raw vegetable and fruit peels and husks. Last week I shelled some shrimp before cooking and I didn't put those on but I have more shrimp this week to shell...so I want to know if there are any draw backs to adding these to the mix.

Answer 1

The drawback is mostly that they don't break down very well.  You'll continue to see them in the compost for several years (like you do with eggshells if you don't crush them).  But there's not enough "meat" on them to attract flies/maggots, in my opinion if you give them a rinse first.

Answer 2

I would not add the shrimp shells.  They will have an odor attractive to animals such as possums, racoons and rats.  I would stick with vegetable material.  You are fortunate to have shrimp 2 weeks in a row, yummy!