Feeding intervention

Today I fed Gambit, as usual, and he struck the rat pup great. The thing is, that he and his dinner landed in his water bowl. I let him be and decided to see if he could figure his dilemma out for himself. The head of the mouse was submerged. I checked on him and he was trying his best to get a grip on the head but couldn't seem to get it just right (to pull it out). I was worried because to get to the mouse, he kept submerging his head under water. Is that bad for the snake? Are they able to hold their breath at all?

Anyway, I finally decided to use my tongs to pull the mouse out for him, and he struck again, so I'm hoping my interference didn't matter too much. He's in the process of eating right now (hopefully).

Anyone else have to intervene in a weird feeding situation? and if so what was it? Just curious.

Tina,

Just to let you know, when that happens to me, I just pick up the snake right after it strikes and wraps, and set it out of the water. They always eat as usual after I handle them while they are wrapped up. I usually do that, just to keep them from dropping the prey item in the water, and then leaving it there for me to find the next day. Makes for nasty water. Just pick him up and move him while he is wrapped, and I bet he'll do fine.

OK thanks, It was pretty funny to see him trying to get the rat, then look at me like "what now?" I could tell he wanted it really bad. Thanks for the tip.