First thank you for following Rocky- WE appreciate it. Rocky began scratching- I gave him a digbox, he dug and dug and dug (about 20 minutes). Rocky would continuously scratch the tile and in hindsight, I allowed him to sleep in my bed and get up later as it's darker now as opposed to keeping him on schedule. While the light came on in the enclosure, I'd cut it off for another hour until he was ready--this only happened for a few days. Then when I cut the light on, I still let Rocky decide when to get in....he would get in the enclosure about 20 minutes later. Rocky and I start our day really early so now we are talking about a 7am start.
Rocky still played with me, ran around the room, ate and fussed until he got into the window. The past few days, he REFUSED to get out of the window, it was a fight but I got him out. When Rocky start walking towards the walls like he does when it's dark but it's the middle of the day, I put him back in the enclosure and he began scratching. He then found his hide. I used his favorite hide to elevate him on the basking side, I wish I moved it to the cooler side but it's too late now- the temp is lowered.
Rocky NEVER goes into his hide...well now in the daytime, he would go in the hide. I didn't think anything of it because he stuck his head out of it but then it became more frequent. When the scratching and hiding became intense, I knew it had to be brumation-I was fearful and in denial.
I checked the lights, the food- Oh, Rocky ate but he slowed down and pooped very consistently. He usually skips a day at times...not now.
The good news is today, Rocky stuck his head out and looked at me when his light came on. I sat and stared for a moment (from across the room). I did my normal routine so he knew I was near, but I felt so much better. I could hear him moving in the night as well. I do not disturb him at all other than the 1 time for water but he didn't open his mouth (drip method). Within the hour, he was sleeping again. I felt so much joy. I didn't see him anymore today but I was okay.
@Groggyfroggie
Each day is getting a little easier but I can't wait for this to be over. I knew this would be hard for me and it is- I seriously would've changed my mind about getting a reptile for this part alone.
(but really he does 
