** What should i be doing to/around the machine to protect it from cold? **

Nothing should be necessary.

** moisture **

A tarp?

** rodents etc.? **

Call an exterminator.

JMO

Dan O.

www.Appliance411.com

The Appliance Information Site

=D~~~~~~

thank you. Should i just have the exterminator take care of the whole county then?? It's a barn sir, in the country; there are rodents. Glad I found the experts this forum.

Rodents love to nest in stove insulation (it's warm). I don't know how you'll keep them out as if they want to, they'll chew through just about any covering.

Maybe tie a cat to it or suspend the stove from the rafters where they can't get at it?

I hope you have a Merry Christmas.

Dan O.