A lot of breeders will put them together once or twice per shed cycle. That way you don't over work the male, especially if you are breeding him to multiple females. He should be able to get things done on that schedule. Assuming your female is eating normally and shedding every 5 to 7 weeks, you can put them together every few weeks or so. As far as potency, it only takes one good lock but it is really about whether the female goes or not. Sometimes they will just reabsorb their follicles. As far as what to do in the meantime, there is a really good item out there by Markus Jayne on breeding. Just google it and it will show you the steps to be watching for. Best of luck.