Lurker from S. Louisiana

Hey everyone, after being a lurker for quite some time I finally decided to officially join because there were a few questions I saw that were some questions that I could help out with. I am by no means a chicken expert, but I enjoy the birds and like to experiment. Going off the question guide...

We've had chickens for a few years now (my wife has been a member here for a while, but doesn't post much), starting with 6 hatchery RIRs. Now, we're up to about 30 or so birds (getting ready to do some experimental cross breedings, not for fame or fortune but just as something to do). We've got RIR hens, 1 RIR roo, BR hens, BSL hens (our breedings), BJG/RIR hens (our breeding), 1 blue Cochin cockerel, 1 Buff Brahma cockerel, and 2 BC Marans (both cockerels). We found out about the site a few years ago while searching for information before getting our first birds (which we got for eggs at first, then we started raising out cockerels for slaughter).

I know a few of you like mutts (and lots of pictures), so as I'm playing around with some of the breedings I'll try to remember pics. The cross breedings are nothing serious, otherwise we'd clean house and start with better stock, but I'm going to work on an all around (good size at slaughter a younger slaughter age than what we have now, while retaining decent egg laying capability) and see what kind of colors/combs/etc pop out (I'm more of a function over fashion type).

I also do a lot of work with reclaimed materials (pallets, old PVC, tarps, etc), so when I build stuff I'll try to remember to take pics and do guides for those that are interested in those types of things (I do get "old man brain" from time to time and just do the job without stopping, then realize I should've been taking pictures). So far I've built coops, A frames, a butcher block topped kitchen island, planters, and a few other things. I have to build a new larger coop (ours are essentially just chicken houses elevated off the ground with nesting boxes attached, then the whole thing is attached to an old 6ft x 20ft x 6ft dog run) to replace an old smaller one, that will have a lot of pallet wood used for structural and support...so I'll try to remember pics (again, old man brain).

Looking forward to taking part in the conversations more and trying to quit just lurking.