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Seasonal change in feeding behavior?
Just wanted to get some opinions in order to be prepared. The situation, my racer starting about 1-1.5 months ago has started to eat less and even more recently refused to eat (only a little over a week now, but the longest he's gone without food since I've had him, except when in shed). Given the timing, I've wondered if he might be picking up some seasonal cues that are telling him to brumate. I've tried to keep conditions as uniform as possible, his light/dark cycle hasn't changed and the temps are in the mid to low 80's during the day (warm side). This is my second fall with him and though he wasn't eating well last fall, he was new and I attributed it to racer feeding difficulties. Once he started eating well, in January, he has been reliable until now. I haven't notice him decreasing activity nor does he spend more time on the cool side of the tank. Also, does not appear to be getting ready to shed.
So my questions, Is brumation prep a possible explanation? I've had turtles before that stopped eating in fall and didn't start again until spring despite being in controlled conditions. If this is possible, what is the best way to proceed? Allow him to brumate fully? Do something to reverse it?
or if it's something else, just keep offering food and see what happens? Appreciate any comments or suggestions.
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