The female not feeding in breeding season is NOT a good sign at all. Usually the males quit feeding cause they got mating on the brain. The females usually feed alot to get weight on for egglaying. Are you sure you got the male and female right in this equation? Is it possible the female bred a few weeks ago and may be gravid? The females usually refuse food after mating later down the road when the eggs develop and they just dont have room for big meals. They either stop feeding at that point, or only take smaller meals. It sounds like you have friends near by to discuss this with and actually look at your animals to determine if they are ready or not, properly sex, etc. My advice is to get them involved a bit more.