From babies to teenagers... Do they know what they're doing?

[philippe]

Hey everyone

Here are my two loves Bitty as a baby


and now


and slingshot as a baby


and now


I raised them both from babies, and have been pairing them since the first of october. I would check on them every morning when id wake up, every night before bed and just about every moment in between. Nothing. Finally i came home from school monday expecting nothing, but still excited as always to see if just maybe they'd be locked up. and BAMMM


my first lock!

I was super excited and could not get the smile off my face.
I left them alone for about 4 hours and when i came back they were still locked and this time the lock was much closer to the glass so i leaned in for a closer look. It turns out he wasnt actually "Inside" her. It was a textbook lock. They were vent to vent, but he clearly wasnt "IN". His spurs were also not moving so i dont think he was "tickling" her or anything.

Is this normal? What do you guys think was happening? Are they just amateurs?

[Quiet Tempest]

You say you left them alone for 4 hours. Maybe they were just cuddling after the fact?

[philippe]

Ya thats possible they were actually still locked the next morning. But if theyre locking then he'll eventually find his way "in" right? and how long after the first lock can i typically start feeling follicles and approximately how long till ovulation. I know this depends on a load of things just asking for an approximation or an average. thnx

[Matt K]

Well most squamates have two hemipenes, but they only use one at a time. Perhaps he had both inverted but the other was doing the deed? Not sure, just a suggestion. Either way congratulations, that must be gratifying!

Cheers,
-Matt

[Quiet Tempest]

Well most squamates have two hemipenes, but they only use one at a time. Perhaps he had both inverted but the other was doing the deed? Not sure, just a suggestion. Either way congratulations, that must be gratifying!

Cheers,
-Matt

good point

[philippe]

Ya gratifying would be a huge understatement.
I am super excited and hoping they'll lock up for me again today.
By the way i was just wondering, seeing as it's my first time breeding,
how long after the first lock can i typically start feeling follicles and approximately how long till ovulation. I know this depends on a load of things just asking for an approximation or an average.

Thnx