I've recently switched from two large rats per feeding to one X-large rat. (These aren't standard sizes (if such a thing exists), they're just what I call the rats at the pet store here.) The rats are about 7 inches around, which is roughly as much (maybe a tad more?) than Monty & Polly are. They've both had two feedings on these larger rats with no problems whatsoever -- they're done in 15 minutes or so; the lump goes straight down; no regurges; the lump disappears in a day or two.

My concern stems from the fact that last night I actually had the opportunity to watch Monty eat for the first time: that looked _hard_. To these mammalian eyes, it looked like the poor fellow was struggling to get the rat down....I've never seen a snake eat before, though, so I could just be projecting. Aside from the actual process of eating, he seems quite content -- he slithered back into his hide straight away...and the last time he ate a meal this size (two weeks ago) he was out for a while the next night (and didn't seem to have much of a lump) and back to his normal cheery self the day after that.

So....should I switch back to two "large" rats or am I just being a mammal? (Actually, I suppose the proper question would be am I just being a non-snake?) Do your balls look like they're working hard at eating (turning his head from side-to-side, shifting around to try differnt positions, dragging the rat a bit to get settled)? My feeling is that he's OK, though that's probably the largest prey he could get down....but I'd rather ask and be sure, for his sake.

Thanks! (...and sorry for rambling...)