Bradtort is correct. You should also consider that whether an animal starts to slow down is a matter of that particular animal's individual biology. I had a marginated male that always slowed down during the autumn months, responding to the reduced intensity of sunlight. On the other hand, I had a greek tortoise male who wouldn't settle down under any conditions. Perhaps this has to do with the climate of his country of origin, but I've always noticed that no two tortoises are alike in their response to hibernation preparation.

T.G.