Ball Python Struggling To Swallow

My ball python is about 3-4 months old. She just got done shedding about three days ago and I decided to feed her a slightly bigger food this time. I fed it to her and instantly she started to constrict it. However! She then started going for the butt instead of the head. For about 30 minutes now she has been struggling to get it down from the butt. I think the foot or tail is getting in the way.

What should I do? If she can't get it down now and quits when should I try again on her regular mouse size? I hope this isn't stressing her out...It definitely is stressing me out a little.

EDIT: She has it about 80% down now. Took like 30-40 minutes! Should I expect her to regurgitate later? If so, what do I do about feeding, handling, etc.

Eating rear first is harder. If she got it down all the way I'd say just keep her warm and no handling to let her digest the meal.

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Originally Posted by AvengedGrace

My ball python is about 3-4 months old. She just got done shedding about three days ago and I decided to feed her a slightly bigger food this time. I fed it to her and instantly she started to constrict it. However! She then started going for the butt instead of the head. For about 30 minutes now she has been struggling to get it down from the butt. I think the foot or tail is getting in the way.

What should I do? If she can't get it down now and quits when should I try again on her regular mouse size? I hope this isn't stressing her out...It definitely is stressing me out a little.

EDIT: She has it about 80% down now. Took like 30-40 minutes! Should I expect her to regurgitate later? If so, what do I do about feeding, handling, etc.

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Eating the animal from the rear happens once in a while. It usually takes a little longer, but it's not bad for the snake in any way.

I find that when I give my snakes a larger food item for the first time that it can take an hour from start to finish, so don't worry - it's normal. Your snake will eat it faster and faster each time from now on until it's time to give her larger food again.

Did the meal go down okay?

I had this problem with my BP, Severus. I found if I just monitored him that he was able to eventually get it down. No regurgitation happened. Although, I agree, it is stressful as an owner to watch. Do you feed in a tank or in a feeding box? I find that if you do put your snake in a feeding box, make sure there is ample vertical room so that when she is swallowing she is able to extend her neck and get the food down easier.