Male stopped breeding

I've been breeding my male bumble bee with 4 females since December. He has been a breeding machine, locking up with them each one a month. I've given him breaks in between breeding. He is healthy and has not lost very much weight, he has just stopped. I separated him from the girls for 2 weeks and put him back but nothing. Any advice on what to do. Im still waiting for my first ovy of the season. Thanks

For one, 1 lock a month is not that good, you can't guarantee that she will have fertilized eggs, I would let them lock at least 3-4 times. If they locked once and they stayed together for say 10 hrs then I would say you might have a chance but I would let the male stay with the female for at least 3-4 days then let him rest for a few days then pair again.

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Originally Posted by Skilla6000

For one, 1 lock a month is not that good, you can't guarantee that she will have fertilized eggs, I would let them lock at least 3-4 times. If they locked once and they stayed together for say 10 hrs then I would say you might have a chance but I would let the male stay with the female for at least 3-4 days then let him rest for a few days then pair again.

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Really? What happened to "it only takes once"?

People who haven't even visually witnessed a lock will still sometimes get eggs.


My suggestion is to leave him be for a little while, maybe try to get some meals in him and try again. Do you have any other breeding age males?

Once a month is totally fine. No need to breed more often then that in my opinion. The male may be done for the year or the females may be done. Are your females still eating? You may see ovulations soon. I breed from Nov - Apr and most of my ovulations come afterwards.

It could be that the females may ovulate soon and are rejecting him. My ladies stopped locking a couple weeks before their ovies.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skilla6000

For one, 1 lock a month is not that good, you can't guarantee that she will have fertilized eggs, I would let them lock at least 3-4 times. If they locked once and they stayed together for say 10 hrs then I would say you might have a chance but I would let the male stay with the female for at least 3-4 days then let him rest for a few days then pair again.

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My male locked with all 3 of his females only once a month. I have 2 clutches in the bator and I am expecting one more to drop...

That sounds good. He has locked with them each month, usually about 48 hours. I hope yall are right and the girls will soon ovulate. Only one girl is still eating. Thanks

Try palpating there are some good videos on youtube. I prefer the Justin Kobylka videos myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlX9y6wyrsw

If they are close to ovulation you will be able to feel the follicles whether you are expereinced or not.

Also locks once a month is fine. 1 male to 4 females only really gives you one shot per month per female. Good Luck