I wouldn't say it's been a rough season but the long, WET, cold winter has definitely made a difference. Last fall when I started cooling my breeders I had a tough time controlling the temps. I live off of Malibu canyon just a few minutes from the beach. The cold along with the rains made it difficult to control the temps. I had to add rigid insulation to the backs of a couple of racks as well as to the sides that were facing a window. I was losing too much heat. I think ovulation was influenced by the weather as well. It seems that the females did not ovulate until we were getting spring like weather, less rains, more consistent temps. I got my first clutch on 4/20, second on 4/24, and the third this morning. Still have a few to go. I started cycling all the females on 11/1. I observed breeding activity from the very beginning right up until a few weeks ago. That seems like a very LONG breeding season.

John Q

[ Show Entire Thread ]