Burmation questions

[Al6911]

I have no doubt that Dovahh is in brumation. It's that time of the year, he's sluggish, and spends most of his day sleeping on the cool side of his tank (ranges from about 75-73 degrees most of the time). I am a new owner, and I've never had an animal go through any form or hibernation/ brumation. Anyways, here are my questions:
I do not have a fecal sample to test. He hasn't eaten anything, therefor can't pass anything. Are there other tests I can do?
His fat pads are slowly disappearing. He hasn't lost much weight, just a few grams. However, when I got him, his fat pads were large and firm. He still has fat pads, they're still visible, just not firm. Should this raise concern, or is it normal? I'd assume its normal, but I don't want to take a chance. Again, his fat pads are only slightly squishy.
Dovahh also has pretty dark coloring when he is in his cage. Not his beard- just his back. His natural coloring is a yellow-ish white, with yellow rings around his eyes, beard, and a bit of yellow here and there on all four legs. Note: this is just coloring, its not yellow fungus . When I take him out, his back loses its grey speckling and he returns to being mostly white. When he is back in his cage, about half an hour to an hour later, the grey returns. He doesn't seem to be upset, his temps are 75-73 cool, 90-88 warm, 95-99 basking. I live in a very dry climate where the humidity is pretty much always 20-30%. And I never really take him out of the "reptile room." Maybe he just wants attention :lol: . Is this just something that happens during brumation?
I know it's not recommended to disturb them during their brumation, but I take him out to preform health checks. He will usually throw a fit if I immediately place him back in his cage, he loves to sit with his mama (not that I mind, I love cuddles lol)! When he is out of his cage, he's active for about 10-15 minutes, then gets tired again. Its a lot easier trying to get him back in his cage when he's tuckered out.
Anyways, sorry for the long post. I'm just so worried I'm doing something wrong. I love him and would be devastated if he wasn't well. I've tried to post these questions on Facebook, but no one offers answers, they just "like" my post. This page generally offers quick and hellpful responses! TYIA.

 

[KarrieRee]

Keep an eye on his weight and you need to keep him hydrated - if you haft to wake him once a week and weigh and give him water so be it--- you can bathe him see if he will drink give him water by syringe or drop water on his nose -- but he needs to stay hydrated --- I would offer food when hes awake to see if he will eat --- I am not a fan of FB groups and never go there for answers or questions-- - how old is Dovahh ?
Karrie

 

[Al6911]

Dovahh turned one sometime mid September. I don't know the exact date. I've given him a couple baths before, but I've never seen him drink. I'll try the syringe. Thanks!