use for those dummy eggs

[hector]

I have a bunch of dummy eggs (pearl coloured marbles in the right size).
I remember reading somewhere that putting some dummy eggs to the nest box of a hen that hesitates with egg laying may trigger the instinct.
I don't remember exactly and I can't find the information again.

Any advice?
I got this fairly new pair. The hen is occupaid with the nest box quite often, but nothing is happening.
Could it help to put in a few dummy eggs to the box?
Also, as I have now two other hens with eggs, it would be nice to have a possible foster parent (this hen without eggs) just in case - I'm wondering if she would accept chicks if she had some dummy eggs in her nest box prior that... (?)
Maybe it's wrong thinking, but where could I discuss these thoughts if not here...?
Thanks in advance.

[hector]

My dummy eggs look like this:



Got them from the UK.

[nev90]

I had a hen that spent a lot of time in the box and never laid any eggs so I gave her some marbles to sit on. After a few days, when she was sitting properly, I replaced the marbles with foster eggs. The eggs hatched and she reared 4 chicks

Most dummy eggs are too light and the hen tosses them out. Glass marbles are heavier and she can't toss them

[hector]

Interesting story.
Thank you for the advice nev90.

My marbles are a bit even heavier than real eggs.
I guess the problem could be that they are so round, not like a real egg.

[suzyc1954]

Is my female bird (Babe) too old to breed - she is about six and I recently acquired a new male who is trying to mate with her but I have never seen them in the act!! although he successfully mates with my hand!! which visitors think is disgusting but I find absolutely hilarious because I have never seen this behaviour before and he gets annoyed if I don't accommodate him!!. I will put a few dummy eggs in the nesting box to see if this works but I am curious to find out if anyone else has a male bird that trys to mate with them.

Regards.