I start lowering temps early November, 80-85degrees days & low 70's at night.



After a couple weeks or so I start introducing the males in with the females. I leave the males in for about a week at a time, or until I see them lock up and complete intercourse which may take half a day or more (see pic 1). I give the males at least 3-4 days off inbetween breeding.



I feed the male very small meals every 3 -4 weeks from November - February, mainly to keep their energy up. The females usually refuse food, and with the temps being so low, I usually do not feed the females at all in December and January.



I continue with this cycle until either the females ovulate, or I raise the temps back up. I will usually raise temps on Valentines day, or February 14th.



You can tell the females are preggers at first they get a little chubby in the lower half,and the usually hang out in the cold end of the tub, or they wrap around the water dish to cool off. You may also see them laying inverted where the second half of their body is flipped upwards (see second pic). This building and behavior contiunues until they finally ovulate. Ovulation is where the entire bach half of the female will blow up, like she ate one of those minny Nerf footballs. This lasts 12 hors and you really cant miss it(See bottom pic).

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