Fake "Starter" Eggs

[PinkMinnow]

When I was a kid, I remember going to my aunt's house and helping pick eggs. And she had fake wooden eggs that were there to encourage hens to lay in the nests.

Now, for the first time, I have chickens. Barred Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orps and Golden Wyandottes. They're about 14 weeks. I'm wondering if I should put fake eggs in to teach them that the next boxes are for laying (not roosting).

Do you use fake eggs? Any recommendations? There are no experienced hens in my flock, so do I just rely on their instinct, or is there anything I need to do to help them? (knowing I still have a few weeks to go before they'll start laying)

Thanks!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Yes, i use "bait "... you can use wood/ ceramic eggs, golf balls, etc

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes. Salting the boxes with fake eggs really helps the young hens learn where they should lay.

I just use cheap ping pong balls. Sometimes I can find used golf balls cheap (which are better as they are heavier). I have seen the ceramic eggs in the feed store, but thought them too expensive when I can get cheaper things.

Congratulations on your new flock. Hoping eggs for you soon
LofMc

 

[aart]

I'm wondering if I should put fake eggs in to teach them that the next boxes are for laying (not roosting).

Well, it won't teach them not to sleep in there,
that takes a different approach,
but it will show them where to lay when ready.

Making sure roosts are higher than nests(about a foot).
Moving birds from nest to roost after dark or blocking off nests an hour before roost time for a few nights(maybe more) should teach them not to roost in nests.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Well, it won't teach them not to sleep in there,
that takes a different approach,
but it will show them where to lay when ready.

Making sure roosts are higher than nests(about a foot).
Moving birds from nest to roost after dark or blocking off nests an hour before roost time for a few nights(maybe more) should teach them not to roost in nests.

Yep, yep and yep

 

[PinkMinnow]

Great! Thanks!

We have roost bars high, and had the best boxes blocked for weeks. I unblocked it because we anticipate them laying soon.

 

[aart]

They may still need some 'do not sleep in the nests' training.
It's good to open the nests a bit early so you can break this habit before eggs come,
and they can explore the nests.

I have a permanent hinged nest cover to use when I have young birds in the flock.
I flip it down an hour or so before roost time,
then flip it back up when I lock up after dark.

 

[PinkMinnow]

I have six chickens and three nest boxes. Any suggestions on how many starter eggs per nest we should use?

 

[aart]

One in each nest will work fine.
I do have extras and when gathering eggs frequently(for various reasons) will often replace real egg with fake as I take them. Total folly on my part and not necessary at all.

 

[PinkMinnow]

Thanks! Off to find a buddy who plays golf and has some extra golf balls lying around...