First time breeding!

[Ash-hughes]

Hi guys
so This is my first time breeding, I’ve got one male and 3 females only one female is up to breeding weight she’s at 1542grams I’ve put my Male in with her his weight is 621grams they are both virgins.
ive not seen a lock he’s just laying on her is this courting? I know it’s good to pair in stormy weather but any other advice on how to get them going? My female is pounding food, I didn’t do a temps drop as were I live the temperature drops naturally and you can feel and see the change naturally! Any advice is welcome �� thank you

[Lord Sorril]

Your male is on the small side. He may/may not breed this year unless he is just a small specimen. I've bred males as low as 400 grams, but, I never count on them to get the job done.

For females: Maturity is more important than weight. I have a 1900g leopard female growing fast I won't even bother to mate until her third winter. But, I have a 1100 gram female pastel @7 years old that lays eggs every year.

[rufretic]

Your male is on the small side. He may/may not breed this year unless he is just a small specimen. I've bred males as low as 400 grams, but, I never count on them to get the job done.

For females: Maturity is more important than weight. I have a 1900g leopard female growing fast I won't even bother to mate until her third winter. But, I have a 1100 gram female pastel @7 years old that lays eggs every year.

I was going to say almost the exact same thing.

Your male probably has just not figured it out yet, 600g is no guarantee. Males can go young and light or they can take a season to figure it out and it's very frustrating lol. Once they figure it out they are reliable but I never chance a virgin male, always have a backup proven breeder male to get a few locks in if I don't witness the new male locking. If he is your only male, no need to panic, just be patient with him. Keep both male and female eating weekly and give them a couple days together every couple weeks or so. He will eventually figure it out.

As for females, exactly what Lord Sorril said. Weight is not a good indicator, age and body condition is what matters. Some are ready at 1200g and some not till 2000g. If your female is 3 or older she probably will be ready to go this year as long as she has been eating regularly and has a good build on her.