So this is my first season attempting to breed hoggies, or colubrids of any sort for that matter.

My male is just barely large enough for me to feel comfortable attempting to pair him up with my female.

I've been pairing them up weekly, 3 days on, 4 days off, and feeding during the off days. I've seen some interesting behaviors (no visual confirmation of locks, though I haven't been hovering) that suggests they are at least trying to get the deed done.

My issue is that, although my typically problem-feeder female is now ENGULFING food harder than she has since the day I got her, my male seems to have completely gone off feed.

It's been three missed feedings now, and I'm thinking I don't want to pair them up any more if he's not eating, I really don't want to over-breed and exhaust a small male to death.

As a last resort I even tried live feeding with a fuzzy mouse yesterday, and left the mouse in with the snake for a few hours, to no avail. Up until they were paired together, he was eating wonderfully.

Should I just completely separate them for a week or two (or longer if needed) and see if the male eats after being given some time and space to his own? Will he just not eat if he's thinking 'oh boy, it's breeding time!'? If the latter is the case, should I continue to pair them up?

Husbandry (not that I think this is the case, as the biggest change at the time of the food strike has been pairing up for breeding): Housing in racks in tubs, summer temperatures of mid 80s, care fresh bedding for burrowing, and two hides + water dish, attempted feeding once a week

I'm completely open to suggestions.