I have to tell you....while I think eating capon is the best way to enjoy chicken, there's nothing fun about the process. It does get easier as one gains experience and it finally seems worthwhile, lots of folks fag out after their first or third effort. If you decide to do it...get a mentor...
I doubt they're sterile. I think they should have begun laying already but much depends upon how they're housed, what they're fed and the weather will also affect laying.
It has gotten below 0* F for 3 days in a row I'm told by my son who is caring for our place in West Virginia while I'm on...
Yes.. my Dark Cornish are laying very well, even when the temp. got to negative 1*F a couple days ago with high of plus 13* that day. I suspect your pullets will lay to some extent throughout the winter and pick up pretty well again in Spring time.