Free ranging layers and "meaties" together

[CostaRicaMark]

I have just layers right now, six of them, and I'd like to add a flock to raise for meat.
I'm new to this.
I live in Costa Rica, and I keep the layers in at night in their own coop, thay have a yard that they are let out into until later in the morning. I do this because a few of them don't lay until around 10 in the morning.
The rest of the day they roam wild, and they come back to roost before dark.
I'd like to do the same with the "meaties"
But, is it possible to have them go into separate coops for the night?
Of course it's possible, but is there a chance that if I acclamate the meaties to their own coop before letting them roam, that they will divide up and go into their own coops?
Sounds easy, but we're talking chickens here, and so far they don't seem all that smart. Cute and all, but not so smart.
I'd like to keep them in separate coops in order to give them different feed, and after reading the whole poop mess thing, it may be easier for that reason as well.
Also, I do not have a rooster right now, but seeing as the meaties will be raised from chicks, it may be better to give the girls some protection out their.
I get my layers fully grown, so I don't end up with roosters.
Thanks for your input.
Mark, in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!

Yes, you can successfully range layers and meaties together. We have a "meat pen" right now that has Cornish X broilers and some Easter Egger cockerels in it, and they all do absolutely fine together. And yes, your idea about keeping the two flocks penned up for a week or so to learn where to roost before you let them out will work.

One thing to realize is that the broilers don't really "range." They will waddle around a bit, but won't stray too far from their food. They are also extremely vulnerable to predators, since they can't really run, only waddle, and certainly can't fly.

The other thing to think about is that your layers will probably investigate your meaties' coop and eat a bunch of their feed. I know chickens aren't that smart overall, but if there is a place they can get in to eat food that they shouldn't, they will find a way.