Likes it rough (my shields)

[massaman]

I been really trying to get my shields mated and nothing yet but just wondering something as I was trying last night the male shield would throw up a defensive posture torwards the female most of the time and then strike out at her as she would to him and then he would hop onto her and well not do very much else and seems mine get all aggro and attack each other when attempting to mate. Just beginning to wonder if this is the typical behavior that shields in general go through when mating the female does strike out as well but wondering if I should give them a few more weeks to add to the few they had being adults to try to get them to be little more docile to breed or is this just the standard with species like this that they like mating with a little rougher attitude and like it in the rough so to speak!Still have them both and they have not harmed each other in any way yet but the way they swap blows and just making sure nothing gets out of hand!

 

[ismart]

Clearly the male is to young. He should not be trying to attack her. Just keep trying every few days and see what happens. Also a word of advice with this species. if the female has not yet started pheromone calling you should not even bother trying to mate her. The females of this species are notorious for rejecting the spermatophore when they are not ready. I found this out the hard way.

 

[massaman]

even if they are about three weeks old?

 

[ismart]

She's to young i would wait at least a couple more weeks.

 

[Rick]

I think she is old enough personally. However, your male doesnt' sound ready.

 

[yen_saw]

From your description it sounds like both male and female were shocked to see each other! :blink: Usually male will hop on to female and if the female is ready she will remain still. If you have a skittish male (could be due to your presence) then leave some fake leaves and branches for him to creep up on the female.

 

[hierodula]

I had the same problem with my Hierodula's. I just fed the female a LOT of food then put the male in her cage. They mated and the male lost his head, but I suppose that was expected. <_<

 

[massaman]

Forgot to mention all I have to try my mating is a net cube cage and thats probably the problem right there and should I use a light source to try to warm up the female a little to get her in the mood to mate since this is a exotic species somewhat?

 

[massaman]

Would lighting make a difference to get the female in the mood to mate as I am kind of pulling at straws here but also maybe I should pass them onto someone else who has better chances of breeding these then me!