Terry,



Iv'e observed coulbrids breeding before their first, after their first, and after their 2nd post brumation sheds.



These observations were over a ten year period with pairs housed together year round. I believe the males are more in tune with the females cycle when housed together. If housed seperately then introduced I believe some males will breed (rape, lol)females even when not ready. Maybe because of the pheramones in the room of other ovulating females?



Something of interest Ive noted is each female for the most part has a very predictable cycle. For example if she was observed being bred to before her post brumation shed it was normaly that time every year. Although, most females were observed breeding sometime after their first or 2nd post brumation shed, the highest % was after their first.



Because these observations were made involving pairs housed together I obviously didn't see ALL the breedings. But after several years it was like clockwork with most being very predictable and trackable.



I think if I were utilizing one male to breed with several females all maintained seperately I would introduce the male weekly with each female beginning 3-4 weeks out of brumation. I've heard some disscussion that early breedings may stimulate folicle development but haven't seen any proof of this.



Great topic!



Tad

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