Those aren't contrary answers, I don't think. You CAN use supplemental lighting to try and encourage laying (as Lady of McCamley says), or you can forego the light and let them take the natural route (as Tookie says).So those are contrary answers.
I did not think the pullets needed extra lighting to start laying, but my girlfriend is getting impatient. She wants eggs.
I also have adults in the coop, three of them were laying but slowed down to almost zero. Two other hens are retired.
Last year I did the supplemental lighting for 14 hours (yes, I increased slowly), but it did not make a difference with the adult hens’ laying.
So, that makes me think, the same adults won’t start to lay with the light on this year, so they will still get their break. Is that thinking correct?
It is my personal approach to not force the girls to do anything because I prefer them to live as naturally as possible and because they are not machines (except maybe my Leghorn). I would suggest your girlfriend be patient, but you can try the lighting. If your older hens are slowing down the extra light *may* not affect them.