welcome to our coop. You will find most of your questions answered soon. But if you don't, I would post your questions in the appropriate section. I could not tell you anything about breed/crossing birds. We have mutts here and love em all. Our rooster is a BO that is great with the girls. I have read numerous times that banties are the way to go if you want broody hens to do the work for you. I plan to get some next spring.
I hope your surgery goes well and you have a speedy recovery.
I'm from Kansas too but clear across the state to the eastern/central boarder.