airlock activity following de-gas

Briefly, I am at 6 1/2 days since yeast pitch. "Traditional"
D-47
Temp maintained at 64F
OG 1.085
SG 9am today 1.038

I have been de-gassing 3 times per day, and the last couple days I've been getting less and less carbon dioxide.
I was originally using the end of a spoon and stirring vigorously (for too long), but have been using a swirling technique (2.25 gallons of must in 3 gal carboy so it's light enough) for several days now and exhausting much more CO2 using this technique.

After de-gas it takes a couple hours before airlock activity is regular, and this recovery period extends longer each day with slower activity upon recovery.
1) Is this normal?

2) Is the swirling technique as good as vigorous stirring (perhaps too much agitation)

3) Does my current gravity 1.038 seem on track in the 6th day?

Thanks, TK

bmwr75 said:

I degas 1 gallon carboys by swirling them, that has worked for me many times over. Your ferment seems to be on track.

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Thank you, bmwr75

Squatchy said:

Yes. I believe you are doing fine also. You will continue to see less and less airlock activity as you wind down your ferment. You really should forget about counting bubbles and rely on you hydrometer. That's all that really counts. At this point you could degas once a day and be just fine.

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Appreciate it Squachy
I have been taking gravity every other day, and planed on taking one daily from now on!