diff --git a/controller/breeder_service.py b/controller/breeder_service.py
index 76e3949..f5cb105 100755
--- a/controller/breeder_service.py
+++ b/controller/breeder_service.py
@@ -339,6 +339,9 @@ def create_breeder(self, breeder_config, name):
             targets_count = len(targets)
             is_cooperative = breeder_config.get('cooperation', {}).get('active', False)
 
+            # Ensure metadata table exists before querying it (idempotent check)
+            self.metadata_repo.create_table()
+
             # Check if a breeder with this name already exists.
             # If it does, return the existing breeder instead of creating a duplicate
             # and dispatching duplicate workers.
@@ -482,12 +485,6 @@ def create_breeder(self, breeder_config, name):
                 meta_state=breeder_config
             )
 
-            # Create detection_rounds table and insert a round for this breeder.
-            # Each breeder gets a round as sender — breeders coordinate through
-            # this table: sender impulses, receivers hold still.
-            self.archive_repo.ensure_detection_rounds_table()
-            self.archive_repo.insert_detection_round(sender_id=breeder_uuid)
-
             # Launch worker scripts with error handling
             worker_launch_failures = []
             target_count = 0