1988:097:009-011 (wax)
Today, most people think of retirement accounts when they hear the phrase nest egg. But the lowly little ceramic, glass, wood or wax fake eggs are used to encourage pullets (young hens) to begin laying eggs in the nest box provided for them, not on the ground or hidden in places you may not look for them. Using these fake eggs before hens start laying will keep hens from pecking and cracking their own eggs. Once they begin laying their own eggs, they will have no desire to peck real eggs. Some people believe that nest eggs will encourage hens to lay as well.