Keep fake eggs in nest box?

[leighks]

How long should I keep fake eggs (I use golf balls) in the nest box for? My girls are now 9 months old and use the nest boxes faithfully. Should
I remove them now, or keep them in there permanently?

 

[Welshies]

You can remove them if you want.

 

[Patinas]

I agree, go ahead and remove them now that your hens are using the boxes.

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

They are not paying attention to them anymore. They are really just in the way.

 

[tjb]

I removed mine within a couple of days of first lay... No need for them once they know where to lay.

 

[leighks]

Ok will remove them today...thanks!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

No harm in either leaving them in or removing them, though if the chickens become upset seeing them gone be prepared to put them back. My EE was very distressed seeing the golf balls gone and wouldn't go back to the nest box until they were returned.

 

[TattooedChicks]

I’ve left mine for now with my 7/8 month olds, as my little bantams like to play broody on them and I collect eggs frequently to keep them from freezing. I’ll probably pull them once the temps go up again as they won’t have any need for the fakes.

 

[RonP]

Mine have been in the nesting boxes since I built the boxes over a dozen years ago.

Why would I take them out?

It may inadvertently prevent an egg eater.

 

[Chicken Whisper101]

I would remove them. No need to have them anymore if they no where to lay