How long does it typically take a snake to swallow it's food?

I just got my first ball python a few days ago. I waited a few days to feed him to make sure he would be hungry and that I wouldn't have to take the mouse (a fuzzy) out and dispose of it.

Luckily, he latched onto the mouse mere seconds of me dropping it into the cage. It's been about a third of the way in his mouth the last couple of times I've checked on him and now he's in his house where I can't see him. I was just wondering how long it normally takes a snake of his age to swallow prey that size.

Thank you!

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Originally Posted by southemd

I was just wondering how long it normally takes a snake of his age to swallow prey that size.

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You didn't mention its age. Ours (under a year old) has, at times, taken over half an hour to properly position the mouse for swallowing. The actual swallow itself is 5-10 minutes, from head to disappearance of tail.

not long at all once they find the spot they prefer to start with . I got a couple snakes that prefer butt first , then one when offer lived does not bother to constrict she just inhales it which is funny as the rodent yeps as she works it down

Depends on the mental capacity of the snake. :D

I have some who know how to find the head immediately, and they can wolf them down in no time at all.

Then there are the...special...snakes that can't seem to figure out why they can't swallow the mouse when they have it by the middle and are folding it in half. :P

Since he is so young it can take a while for him to get situated. He is still learning. Every snake is different. Some pick right up on feeding and some take a while. He should be fine.

Ahh! Sorry. He's about a month old.

He ended up swallowing it about 20 minutes later. I think he was stuck on one of its front legs. But thank you to everyone who replied!