The thing that I notice with Carpets every time JD, is that they seem to have a “double-swelling”. That is, they breed for about 2 weeks in December, then they separate and the female will swell slightly-to-moderately soon after, without even being fed. But then a week later, you put the male in and they’re mating again!! So definitely not ovulation, ha ha!
So this is what I generally see:
1) Start cycling in November.
2) Put the animals together 2-3 weeks later and they begin mating (male combat may or may not be necessary).
3) The female swells. Whether that’s building follicles, moving infertile ova around, beats me.
4) They mate some more.
5) Female sheds.
6) 3-4 weeks later, she ovulates. (pre-ovulation shed. Doesn’t always happen)
7) 3-4 weeks later, another shed
8) 24-31 days later lays eggs.
Now, this isn’t ALWAYS the way it happens, but usually with my animals, this is what I can expect.
Also, pre-ovulation swelling and ovulation look totally different from what I’ve seen. Ovulation is moving the ovum to the oviduct and it seems to be more localized. Like a large lump. Softball-looking. Pre-ovulation swelling just makes the carpet look fat, but in the latter 2/3 of the body.
I feed all the way up to ovulation. After that, no more until after she lays the eggs. Carpets are slender animals and the eggs take up a TON of room in their body. I wouldn’t risk it.
And re-introducing the male won't have any adverse effects. As long as she has room to bask/thermoregulate, he won't bother her.
That’s about all I can think of man. Best of luck and happy holidays!!
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