:bggrn: Thanks guys, worth thinking about. He is probably too old, that's the prob when you buy from the shops you have no idea of age or conditions they have come from.
My girls who are supposed to be hm are abit doubtful as their tails have a little point in the middle t hey are not perfectly straight on the edge, so probably shouldn't use them, although bought them as being hm, should have done more homework, but hay thats how we learn, but don't want to breed if they are not up to scratch. For the work and stress involved rather do it as well as possible.
It is great that you guys are so obliging with your experiences, it is great.