Patience is a virtue

Heliophobe · Post by **Heliophobe** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:12 pm

After obtaining a small young colony I knew I was in for a long wait to get to breeding age. And I waited.....and waited. As it turned out I got a kick start when I was able to purchase another more mature colony which had successfully bred.

I set up my tank......and waited. I knew not to disturb them much and I didn't. I had gotten them about the time they typically bred for my friend so I knew the chances they would be comfy enough in their new home to breed last year was slim. This year, I also waited and waited until I had no choice but to move the tank due to home renovations. I wanted them as far away from it as possible.

My tank had slate caves and some other various caves. I carefully began breaking down the tank and the big male was in the rectangular slate cave. Rather than disturb him, I took him out in the cave. I searched everywhere, "just in case", carefully and methodically. I was certain i found everyone with no baby surprises.

As I was setting the tank back up I checked on the zebras and saw a little "odd" movement in the slate cave. Turns out I had not seen (4) fry that must have been hidden behind the male when I checked previously. My guess is he male bred with a younger female. I am SOO happy I just took the whole cave out rather than trying to get him out of there.

Anyway, that's just my luck. Finally after years of waiting I get them to breed when I have to move the tank. The good news is they are all alive and well and handled the transfer with no issues. I think I'll keep the tank where it is for a while and hold off renovating that area.

twinspots_goby · Post by **twinspots_goby** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 11:55 pm

Congrats! Now it worth all your patience.

Heliophobe · Post by **Heliophobe** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 12:20 am

They are at it again!!! I hadn't set up the cave where I wanted yet but I guess it didn't matter. And better yet, I can see in. I feel like a perv but I have night vision video recording. Not great quality but maybe I'll catch something interesting.

Heliophobe · Post by **Heliophobe** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 6:26 pm

She's gone and he's guarding eggs!!

Jo's Zebs · Post by **Jo's Zebs** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:38 am

Congratulations I bet you are chuffed to bits

Post by **Barbie** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:45 am

That's awesome! Congratulations

. My male currently has someone trapped, but he has seemed to forget what to do with a girl when you get her in your cave, I think. Glad to hear your male definitely has it figured out!

Barbie

Heliophobe · Post by **Heliophobe** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 4:55 pm

He sure has. The first batch was actually 8, not 4. The second is 10 or 11. And as luck would have it, before the 2nd batch even left the cave he was at it again. More eggs last night!!

mistern2005 · Post by **mistern2005** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:17 pm

So how long did you have to be patient...?

I got my zebras when they were 4-8 months old and have had them for 2.5 years now...and I'm still "patiently" waiting!

Heliophobe · Post by **Heliophobe** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:34 pm

I waited for 2.5-3 years. One breeder in my area seem to get fry from August to december for the past few years. I got my first batch at the end of November and I'm on my 4th batch as of last week.

The fall was milder and this winter has been a bit harsher than the past few years. Maybe that has something to do with it. I have no idea.

You may have missed this season but next season may be your time. Mine "practiced" last year and succeeded this year.