The truth of your statement is that local environment in the key component. Very few regions can support a modern dual purpose flock, let alone keep them in great condition. Mine can't. Especially in the 'dead seasons' that don't start with S.but if you let them free range they will be even healthier if given the food forest type living conditions.
If you live were the climate is temperate, it could work but I'd recommend more game fowl type for this practice.