A light will definitely help with laying. My birds that have lights on them are laying, but the ones outside that don't have lights are not. I figure, you feed them either way, so why not get eggs. Lights don't keep them from molting, and if they need to quit laying for a while, they will, even with the lights. But the majority will keep laying. I also alternate mine from inside to out, so they do get a break every few months. I just recently brought my loung Lakenvelders inside to a lighted pens, and within 2 weeks, they started laying. I know there are those who don't agree with this method, but you have to use common sense and do what you feel is best for your birds. None of my birds stay under lights year around.