How can I encourage dwarfs to make babies?

In my current fort, I had just 2 migrant waves, and then they stopped coming (I guess, because the civilization died - I got a proper warning before embark).

I decided this would be a good setting to have a use for babies, which are usually just a nuisance. However, several years have passed, and there is no sign of babies.

I even chose 2 dwarves, and turned off all their labors, so they spent a few years socializing, listening for stories, etc. Still no sign of babies. (BTW I used Dwarf Therapist to make sure they have proper sexuality; also, one of them "dreams of making a family" - come on, do it!)

I currently have 7 dwarfs (after some deaths in construction accidents), 5 male and 2 female. What can I do to encourage babies in my fort?

dwarf-fortress

Best Answer

Considering how few females you have, you'll want to check if they have husbands who are dead - dwarves are fiercely monogamous. Other than that, you'll just have to wait until they marry someone, or if they are married already turn off their labors and those of their spouses.

However, with only two breeding pairs you are going to have to be careful not to run out of valid mating pairs. As I recall, when I investigated this before dwarves would refuse to mate with any direct family members (parents, siblings, children), but anyone else was fair game, so you have some leeway, but don't lose all your females to !!FUN!!.