Can anyone teach me about follicles?

[dr del]

Hi,

So, despite the known dangers of doing so, I'm trying to actually learn something.

Can anyone tell me the time/size/stage progression of follicles?

I.e. do follicles develop at a set pace or does it vary, what size do they get to before ovulation and can you use the size of them to anticipate ovulation?

Once they get to a certain size is it less likely they will be readsorbed? Or is that pretty much always an option?

I've been trying to learn to palpate and one of my girls (cleo) has some fairly large follicles (if I'm feeling em right) that are slightly smaller than golf balls I think.

They don't seem that cooperative in the process though so will let them chill for a little while and try again - getting the same number twice would be a bonus but that may be down to my math.

I'm still kind of a woose about it and scared I hurt them by squeezing too hard.


dr del

[JASBALLS]

Hi,

So, despite the known dangers of doing so, I'm trying to actually learn something.

Can anyone tell me the time/size/stage progression of follicles?

I.e. do follicles develop at a set pace or does it vary, what size do they get to before ovulation and can you use the size of them to anticipate ovulation?

Once they get to a certain size is it less likely they will be readsorbed? Or is that pretty much always an option?

I've been trying to learn to palpate and one of my girls (cleo) has some fairly large follicles (if I'm feeling em right) that are slightly smaller than golf balls I think.

They don't seem that cooperative in the process though so will let them chill for a little while and try again - getting the same number twice would be a bonus but that may be down to my math.

I'm still kind of a woose about it and scared I hurt them by squeezing too hard.


dr del

If they are that small keep putting the male in.. Check Ralphs site out. You will learn a Ton there!

[dr del]

Hi,


I tried but my search skills suck and I couldn't find the info on his forum.

I watched the videos which is what made me want to try it in the first place.

I will indeed keep putting the male in with them - he is sleeping off his mouse at the mo but I will try him again tomorrow.

He still locks up with her ok - last was on the 1st for about 18 hours.


dr del

[SPJ]

It takes practice. I still bite at it.
I'm usually fairly accurate (I'll count say 4 maybe 5 and end up with 5 eggs or 8 possibly 9 and get 9 eggs) but it took practice and searching for info on how to do it.
If you let them relax and slide back in the tub while you palpate, it makes it a bit easier.
Like John said, check RDR's site and there was also a youtube video on the net at one time showing how to palpate.