Benefits 0f using plastic (dummy) eggs with your chickens.

Why Plastic Dummy Eggs Are a Game-Changer for Chicken Keepers

If you've ever collected eggs only to find that one has been cracked—or worse, eaten—you know how frustrating egg-related issues can be. Whether you're dealing with hens laying in odd places or a flock developing an egg-eating habit, plastic dummy eggs can be an incredibly simple, inexpensive, and effective solution.

In this post, we'll explore how fake eggs work, why they’re so helpful, and how to use them correctly in your coop or nesting boxes.

What Are Plastic Dummy Eggs?

Plastic dummy eggs are realistic, egg-shaped replicas designed to mimic the look and feel of real chicken eggs. They’re lightweight, durable, washable, and safe for your flock. These eggs come in several sizes and colors—white, brown, or even speckled—so you can match them to the type of eggs your hens typically lay.

Why Use Dummy Eggs in the Nesting Boxes?

Dummy eggs may look like simple props, but they play a surprisingly powerful role in shaping your hens' behavior.

1. Encourage Hens to Lay Where You Want

Chickens prefer to lay where other eggs already are. A nest with a “clutch” feels safe and established, signaling to hens that it’s a good spot. Placing a couple of dummy eggs in each nesting box:

• Attracts pullets learning to lay

• Reduces floor or corner eggs

• Helps re-train hens that have started laying elsewhere

It’s one of the easiest fixes for chaotic laying patterns.

2. Prevent Egg Eating Before It Starts

If a hen pecks a real egg and discovers tasty yolk inside, she can quickly learn to repeat the behavior—and the habit often spreads to other flock members. Dummy eggs help break or prevent this cycle by being:

• Unrewarding to peck: They don’t crack or release anything.

• Confusing for would-be egg eaters: Repeated attempts to break them teach hens that eggs are not worth pecking.

Over time, most hens stop trying.

3. Support Broody Hens or Incubation Training

If you're looking to encourage a hen to go broody or simply want to give her something safe to sit on, dummy eggs are perfect. You can replace them with fertile eggs later, without the risk of early accidental breakage.

How to Use Plastic Dummy Eggs Effectively

Using dummy eggs is easy, but a few best practices will help you get the most out of them:

• Place 1–3 dummy eggs in each nesting box. Enough to look like a small clutch.

• Keep the nesting area clean and comfortable. Soft bedding encourages reliable laying.

• Leave the dummy eggs in place for several weeks. Long enough to reinforce the habit.

• For egg-eaters: Leave dummy eggs in for at least a month to fully disrupt the behavior.

Some keepers leave one fake egg in each nest permanently as a “training tool” for new layers.

Choosing the Right Dummy Eggs

When buying dummy eggs, consider:

• Size: Standard chicken-size eggs are best; avoid oversized or undersized options.

• Material: Plastic is lightweight and long-lasting. Ceramic works too but can break if dropped.

• Color match: Hens respond best to eggs that resemble their own flock’s eggs.

Final Thoughts

Plastic dummy eggs are one of the simplest tools you can add to your chicken-keeping routine—and they deliver big results. From teaching hens where to lay, to discouraging egg eating, to helping manage broodiness, dummy eggs are a small investment that pays off in a healthier, happier flock.

If you haven’t tried them yet, toss a couple into each nesting box—you might be surprised how quickly your hens get the message.