I try to do the same. My pullets are just starting to lay. A few of the ones hatched in early spring started laying in December. I think that there's going to be another round of culling (sorting, not butchering) around March. I do incubate, and like to hatch in early spring and again in late fall, to keep young ones laying through the winter.So, here's what I do. I cull heavily in fall. The only birds I keep through the winter now is 1.) First year pullet. They'll lay up a storm. and 2.) my breeders for late winter/early spring breeding. That's it. The days of cheap feed are long over. Tending and husbandry is more difficult in the winter as well. But, by June, the flock will have ballooned to it maximum number.
I just found this thread and have to go back through the older posts. I like your philosophy and am trying to get back to my flock functioning more sustainably.