...Your question about whether a female can be fertilized with one single mating is a good one. It depends on the dose of healthy sperm, which depends on the fertility of the male and 'contact time', ie duration of the single mating. If a mating is long enough it should be possible. Now there are those that say that a female will only ovulate with sufficient male contact, ie presence of a male. But given a highly fertile pair one mating especially just prior to ovulation most likely can result in fertilization.



The 'nesting' behavior is commonly seen particularly in fasting females. Early in egg development females may be equivocal in their receptivity, so I don't think there's anything to be concerned about. Just keep cycling the male and offer food to the females. Some females will have a good appetite at this point and others will have none. You'll need to check the females daily in order to not miss the ovulation. Good luck!

Scott J. Michaels DVM

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