Mature males are usually seen building bubblenests in their bowls or aquariums. The breeders you select should have already been physically conditioned for weeks on a varied, well-balanced diet. I normally select my breeders one week before formally introducing them into the spawning tank. During this week, the fish are fed generously and the bowls or tanks are carefully maintained. Once the pair are placed in the spawning tank, they should be checked periodically.
Courtship involves the male betta chasing the female in short spurts.
Often, the male will nip the female's fins, attempting to entice her to spawn. During this period, the male's attention will alternately focus on building the bubblenest and courting the female. My experience indicates that the breeders should not be fed during courtship. Due to the inherent aggressiveness of the fish, either of the breeders is capable of inflicting significant physical damage to the other. If a badly damaged male or female is noted in the first several hours of being together, this should be a warning that perhaps these are not suitable breeders.