Do I always leave the dummy eggs?

[SplendidDogFeet]

I tried to look for this info, but didn't find an answer. This is my first time with poultry of any kind. My girls are five months, and I know for sure that two are laying and think that a third has started because over the past week and a half we've had three eggs on two different days. I bought and put dummy eggs (one in each box) to try to coax them into nesting in the nesting boxes and it has mostly worked. My question is, do I leave the dummy eggs in all the time, or am I supposed to take them out? Yesterday, one of my girls went into the box to lay and was working so hard forever to try to get that dummy egg under her to the point that I just felt bad for her. They're still young and supposed to still be growing (they were supposed to be Jersey Giants, but they are definitely not full because only one has yellow feet) and I don't want them to get broody right as winter is starting. But I also don't want to pull the eggs before the other birds get a chance to get the hang of the nesting boxes. Advice please? Picture of one of my lovelies for tax.

 

[rosemarythyme]

No need to remove them. I figure it's a constant reminder that the nest is a safe place to lay in, and some birds do get upset to see them gone.

Broodiness is all about hormones. While some people try to trigger it with a pile of eggs, a single fake in a box really shouldn't get most layers worked up.

 

[Callender Girl]

I always have fake eggs in the nest boxes to remind the girls where to lay and to help discourage them from pecking at, and breaking, eggs.

Pretty girl in the photo!!

 

[aart]

I've had them in my nests for 10+ years, no need to remove them.

Is there no bedding in that nest?

 

[SplendidDogFeet]

No need to remove them. I figure it's a constant reminder that the nest is a safe place to lay in, and some birds do get upset to see them gone.

Broodiness is all about hormones. While some people try to trigger it with a pile of eggs, a single fake in a box really shouldn't get most layers worked up.

Thank you so much! I was hoping this would be the answer since they work so hard to lay an egg and then I steal it. I keep hoping it's less noticeable to them if the dummies are in there.