You said meat birds are a lot of work... What do you mean? I have not ventured there but have thought about it. Do you have to keep them separate from the egg layers?
I have my meat birds in a chicken tractor, separate from my flock. They have been more work than I expected. They eat like nothing I have ever seen. All they do is eat, its crazy. As chicks, we had to move them outside at 2 weeks because they stunk so much. Now, my 30 birds drink more than 5 gallons of water in less than 24 hours and eat about a third of a 50 pound bag every 12 hours. They would eat more if I gave it to them. I get up in the mornings and go feed and water them and then when I come home I often have to refill the water. I am using the waterers I already had so as not to have more money invested in an 8 week venture so I added low tubs of water just to keep up. I have read that they can eat themselves to death if given the opportunity. I feed them 12 on and 12 off but it seems like they are starving to death when they don't have food. Its quite an odd process.
If I do it again, I will do less birds. Maybe 6 at a time. I did 30 because a friend asked me if I would raise them and we split the price. I'm not sure all the work will be worth it in the end.