I've noticed a big increase in the number of posts asking if folks should pair A with B.

Why? Just do it! The first thought that runs through my head is "Why wouldn't you try A and B?" Maybe it's because I've kinda gotten restless that I've become more "oh what the heck"; frankly I wish I had been more like this nearly six months ago! hehe

Trace your Roos back to square one. Study what their o/s and siblings have made, but remember there are no true clones, what you're looking at are possibilities, not definites. Notice any coats not visible? Then try using a mate that wears that coat. Take notes, track your Roos. I even track ones I've adopted out to friends. And I offer info back to friends who've given me Roos. "Hey, did you know so-and-so might carry Long Mane in that line?"

Then... who cares! You get 12 nests if the stars line up right, so you have plenty of time to try new things, as well as keep a good pair together, you can do both with the same number of Roos.

When I'm in 'experiment mode', I give a pair at least two cycles together to give me hints as to what they'll throw. If they throw something different each time, I keep them together a couple more nests, because that variety makes me suspect they're packing and could throw something neat-o. Then I'll swap mates around for more testing. And, if there's time, I'll breed them with a grandkid or two (one g'kid with g'ma and one g'kid with g'pa to thoroughly test out that line). And toward the end of their ages, I put them back together to see if that much higher regard might push something else.

Experiment and discover! Don't be afraid to try anything with anything.

Might just learn what pieces work together to create that uber Roo of various species; or learn that one line carries traits you've never seen before.

Make it fun and let your hair down.

Sure, it can feel totally random, but how else do you expect to find clues or hints if you don't toss em in a blender sometimes?

Work the Roos and test them! Don't be shy! hehehe

And most definitely work with the plain o/s. Those are very often the stellar Roos in-disguise!

It's a big puzzle with a lot of pieces to play with. We see time and time again those nice surprises popping up.

And remember, there's (probably) no such thing as a crap Roo or crap nest.

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So, why do ya breed the way ya do? The reasonging behind our methodologies fascinate me. If you developed a pattern on how you approach it, I'd love to hear how it developed.

Thanks! :)
Dolci