I got hooked on Bourbon Reds after reading Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Mineral book...a great read by the way, got me into locally sourcing as much food as is practical. Anyway, these birds are hardier than the big meat breeds, as well as being more fun and manageable. I have never had any issues with raising them with chickens, but that may be because they are a heritage breed. I don't get massive birds, but they are big enough. Beware though, they are great fliers, often up to 50 feet up trees and onto roofs. They also love to fly onto nice new SUV's and other cars and trucks. NOT good news if you see their feet...think claws. This year we have clipped their wings and kept them in a pasture. They are unhappy, but we aren't.