I think it's a common misconception for new ball python owners to think their snakes can't eat larger prey...because let's face it...they're little pinheads compared to the rest of their body! How could that tiny little head possibly consume such a gigantic rodent?

They can...and do. Quite happily. My new little guy, Sax...maybe 100g...nailed a small adult mouse without any hesitation and downed it quite easily. When he was completely done, I wasn't even sure he'd eaten....there wasn't some huge lump in his body or anything.

And if they disappear for a week after eating...well....that's VERY typical (and desired) ball python behavior. If they're out cruising all the time, they're either stressed or hungry.