I was a bit unclear there. I meant to write that it is a tough variety as in it is resistant to cracking and canker which tends to be a problem with all the rain we get in the east coast. If that one doesn’t last, I am not sure what would.
Central leader pruning should work, but you will have to renew and cut back scaffolds on some of the larger trees to keep them under 12 ft. At least you won’t need a trellis, but you may want to stake for a year or two so the grafts don’t snap.
If you have your chickens run, you may plant some forage that you can chop and drop to raise the organic matter and increase drainage. deep-rooted perennials may also help break up compacted soil. also, chickens might get into the trees. You could also just leave it with the woodchips, nothing really wrong with a cleared area to appreciate the trees and you already have a garden.
I think some of the varieties you have will probably get wrecked, check out [Scott's Apple Experiences Through 2022]
for some heads up on apple varieties.
I just think of the golden delicious apple a person down the street from me has. never thinned, sprayed pruned. still makes decent apples each season that I pick up from the sidewalk because they don’t eat them lol. Not sure if your red delicious is a special strain or sometihng, like Hawkeye, but they can also be good apples depending on taste. just not good keepers. It has become a meme to hate them.
If you like cider, you might want to get more cider apples too. Some russets or red fleshed maybe. wicksons and crabs may do well for that too.
Good luck with your orcharding, I will be in the same boat you are in a few years from now I imagine.