? regarding late seasons...

[jsschrei]

Ok, I live in southern CA and I started my season Thanksgiving weekend and began cooling. Every pair has locked up multiple times, so no problems on the breeding end of things. But, NO ovulations yet

So, here's my questions:

1) For those of you that get clutches later in the year (late summer and even Fall clutches), did you start your season later in the year? Or did you start in the Fall and your ladies just went late?

2) I began warming temps back up at the end of February. Are females likely to build follicles and ovulate long after temps are returned to normal?

3) When do you stop trying... I can't expect these males to breed all year and hope for an ovulation. They need a vacation at some point! Do you stop pairing at a certain time in the year and hope that sperm is retained if they ovulate later?

Grrr...just feeling a wee left out with all of the ovy and egg posts Lots of breeding here but nothin' else.

Thanks to all in advance that have insight, information, or just plain, "hang in there" comments! Continued best wishes to all.

[LadyOhh]

Jess,

So Cal is always later than the rest of the nation, it seems. I still start in November, I don't cool, and I have no eggs on the ground yet.

I just continue to pair until I feel that they are done.

For the record, I am still pairing and getting locks right now.

Incubator is off.

Will turn it on middle of April, as that was when I got my first clutches last year.

[Dave Green]

Jessica, I start "cooling" mid October and start pairing animals up in early November. This is the schedule I used in NJ and I do the same in AZ. I cool the hot spot at night for 10 weeks or so and that seems to be enough as the house cools as well. I breed through the end of April if they still want to breed at that point. They typically slow down right about now and I kind of wrap things up in April. They seem to still be breeding strong this year so we'll see what happens. Last year I had my first clutch hatch in May and the last one was in December. Most hatch during a couple month period during the summer but I always get a couple early and a couple late. I wouldn't worry, just keep doing what you're doing...then it's up to them.

[Bill Buchman]

Well...

I am in So Cal, don't cool, and have my day and night temps are a couple degrees higher than last season -- I have 23 clutches on the ground and another 20 or so ovulations, and am still breeding. Go figure???

I had less than great year last season with MANY SLUGS. This year almost no slugs. I will enjoy this season simple as a yang to last year's ying.