I'm new to keeping these guys, so my spotty has been trying to guide me through it. He stopped eating and started hiding on the cool side of his cage (low 70's). I obliged by not trying to feed him and turning his heat down to 70 degrees. I read on the internet that this should go on for 9 weeks. The problem is he started it early (early September). Week 9 is approaching and he has started showing a preference for a slightly warmer hide (lower 70's).

I thought spotties weren't supposed to be coming out of brumation until late January. Should I just keep him cool for longer, or start slowly warming him up now?

Thanks for any advice...