I wouldn't worry about bees at all. Chickens know what they can and can't eat. Bee stings can be very beneficial even to someone who is very allergic (like me). Last summer I got stung on my useless arthritic hand. I panicked, took 2 Benedryl and had my Epi-Pen ready. The hand swelled to twice it's size but I didn't go into shock. After a few weeks, I had no more arthritis in that hand. Still don't. So, if a chicken gets stung, maybe it wanted to.

If money is tight you can cover the open (wire) areas with heavy plastic but be sure to have a low and high vent (about 3x12") to allow air flow and to expel excess heat during the day (greenhouse effect). Be sure to keep the lower vent from being blocked by snow. I've always enclosed the smaller runs with double layer of plastic and inflated them with a greenhouse inflation fan. This keeps the wind noise down and adds strength to the plastic if some predator tries to go through it (hard for them to get a hold of the plastic). Use a 60 to 100W light bulb in the coop, be sure to use a porcelain fixture and if you can put it on a thermostat that will turn it on only if it gets below 34F and turn off at 38F that will prevent overheating. Increase carbs in their diet with Wheat/Oats/rye or corn. This will give them extra fat reserves to help them through the colder spells. Keep and eye on their weight so they don't get too fat. Any change in diet should be a gradual process.

I keep a black magic marker in my kitchen and put the date on chicken broth cartons and condiments so I can remember how old they are. I like Progresso low-sodium chicken stock in the box and use a lot of it. Within 2 weeks is my limit. seagrass

Thanks to everyone for the recipes. I look forward to trying many more of them. Doucanoe, I made your alfredo chicken pizza and it was wonderful. Rusty, I made your hot chicken salad and it was great! I didn't take pictures but I wanted to let everyone know that both recipes that I tried are keepers!! I look forward to having more left over chicken soon. LOL Karen