Wood burning stove safety

Hi, we are about to move house and have 2 house buns. The new house will have a wood burning stove in the lounge. Will the rabbits know to steer clear of it because they'll feel the heat, or do we need to take precautions and not let them in the lounge?

Also they are going to have free range of the kitchen but should we introduce the space slowly to them, its 20' x 20'.

The same question also for the garden? We're not quite sure what to do as they hate being picked up so getting them into a run will be quite difficult. We were thinking of fencing off a part of the garden like a big run (no roof) for them to run in and out of the house when we are about.

Any advice greatfully accepted. Thank you.

Hiya :wave:

We have a wood burner and our house bun will quite happily stretch out in front of it, but never gets too close. When it's not lit, he will run around the back of it (little devil!), so he knows the difference.
We do have a fireguard that we've used in the past.

Hi we have an open log fire here and two house buns - no probs! :wave: We use a good strong sturdy fireguard fitted closely if we are out of the room but can remove if we are in the room. If the buns are nearby we tend to leave the guard in front - more to prevent any sparks igniting or singeing fur... we threw a bit of Poppy fur on the fire once to see how flammable - and all I can say is... very!!

Our male bun Nino will lie stretched in front of it quite happily and doesn't go near it. Poppy is more curious and had gone up and sniffed it - we supervised this very closely when she did it - the heat put her off and she backed off - buns aren't stupid. However, I always worry that a sudden fright to make them bolt might put them at risk so as said we tend to use our guard a lot, and always if we are not about.

As for the garden - well you could either fence off a portion for supervised run? Or fence off the whole garden? and train them to come back in with word commands and food always given as a reward - it takes a little while to learn but works very well. My advice would be only use an open run under supervision. No lid means not fox or airborne predator proof so if to be out when you are not around a secure run would be better.