My 7 yr old Womas have been breeding since October, and I'm starting to get a bit concerned. The female had her last shed around Jan 23 after numerous copulations and some substantial mid-body swelling. I initially thought this may be a post-ovulation shed, but re-introduced the male anyway just to be on the safe side. After a few more copulations, she got HUGE and began inverting on Feb 3, at which time I removed the male to give him some rest and food. He has not been re-introduced.
The female has been basking extensively since, and has been looking quite large. I provided her a nest box w/ damp sphagnum moss, which she has been using for the past 2 weeks. She has also had substantial mid to lower body swelling during this time.
Here's my concern - her eyes and body began to become opaque over the past couple of days, letting me know that another shed is imminent. Swelling has also subsided (although it still feels like there's something present when attempting to palpate her). Is it possible that fertilization never occurred, and she's re-absorbing her follicles. Today marks about 43 days since she inverted (a position which she only stayed in for a couple days, with the exeption of some minor rolling onto her side).
This is my first time breeding Womas. Does this timeline seem reasonable, or should I be concerned. The same male has also been breeding my 4 yr old female, who shed on 2/27, and began doing the "flip" on 3/3, which seems to be identical to the other female. This time however, I've continued to introduce the male for a few days at a time, and further copulations have not been seen.
Any advice that could help to put my mind at ease would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Mike
