I was feeding a 3000 gram female 1 rat weanling every 3-4 days between ovulation and pre lay shed. She stopped feeding 3 days before shed, and I expect her to not want to feed for the period before she lays. I noticed if I offered anything larger than a weanling she wouldn't accept. As far as glowing, I haven't noticed anything on my female, maybe I missed it. I have a post with some pics during these times that might help you judge the sizes a little better.