You'd be yawning and stretching your mouth out a bunch too if you just unhinged your jaw and swallowed something as big around as your waist.
Sounds like he found where he wanted to go. Maybe it's warmer back there, or he feels cozier in a tighter spot, if the hide is big for him.
BTW, you don't have to take him out of his cage to feed him. Just feed him where he is, and that way he won't have to put up with being put back on a full stomach.