Breeding Question

[dreese88]

I observed the first lock on 12/19/09 between my Pewter & my Pastel. Since then they have locked at least once every 2 weeks (3 times at least). I've seen her laying cool and know that she is building. My question is, should I start introducing the male more frequently than once every 2 weeks now that she is at this stage.? She is the only female he's breeding, so I'm not worried about maxing him out for other girls. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[FatBoy]

I would go 3 days on 4 days off for 3 weeks then give him a week off, making adjustments to low pressure fronts of course. Do this until she ovulates.

[WingedWolfPsion]

Giving the male some time off gives him a chance to rest and 'recharge', so to speak.
I go 2 to 3 days on if I don't see a lock, then a day or two off. If I see a lock, I remove him the next day for a 2 day rest. If the male is going through a lot of females, he gets fewer rest breaks, but the ones he does get, he gets a good checking over and feeding (if he'll eat). If a male doesn't seem to be holding weight well and bearing up under the task, he needs more rest.
Giving them a week off in the middle of the breeding season frequently seems to spur them to greater effort afterward. If the male looks like he's getting lazy (fewer locks) then give him a week off.
Naturally, also rest the male when he goes opaque, and don't pair him up again until after he sheds. They generally don't lock when they're opaque, and they need the rest then. Females, on the other hand--the male will lock just fine with an opaque female, but he'll be especially happy with a female who has just shed--leave the shed in her bin, for added incitement.

You'll see a lot of different opinions on pairing times--the key points are, the male does need some rest or he won't lock as often. The male's condition should be monitored so he doesn't get overworked. Pairing should happen frequently so you can catch the female at the right stage of follicle development. And that's pretty much it.