Heating up Compost Tumbler??

I haven't used my compost tumbler in several years and never did get it right. I put coffee grds vegie pleaings paper plant clippings, what do I need to use or do to get it heated up and working? I live in zone 7.

Katherine - I've heard people on this forum talk about using alfalfa meal - but I can't find any locally to try it myself - & I need to heat up my composter,too - it's cold! Samantha

Alfalfa pellets online: http://planetnatural.com/site/alfalfa-pellets.html

Samantha, it's possible to get a composter cooking in winter, but it's tough. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/929870/

Alfalfa pellets will do the trick, but winter time in the colder climates can make it difficult to even access the pile. A tumbler should respond well, but if the components inside are frozen, I'm not sure Alfalfa pellets will do the trick.

Two guides to troubleshooting composter problems:

http://www.gardeners.com/Compost-Troubleshooting/5155,default,pg.html
http://www.recyclenow.org/r_composting_trouble.html

Rabbit food is alfalfa pellets, and may be readily available from a pet or feed store.

Pee in the compost pile works great! Not sure how it would do in a tumber.