Sounds normal to me. I have to present the mouse in front of my Cali king, even sometimes having to bump it against her to get her attention or she won't know where the mouse is. She knows there is food or she wants food by lifting her head slightly and flicking her tongue but could not locate the food on her own. I think it is an age thing, who knows.

Then I have 3 corns that would grab their pinkies however way they can. Middle of the body, the butt area, etc...they just go for it. Then they would lift it up and position their jaws to the head or rear end of the pinkie before starting to eat. My gray banded king would rattle his tail while eating if I am messing around with tank after he took the prey.

Fyi, next time after it takes the food, try cleaning its water bowl or do what you normally do and don't wait on him. He has to get used to you. Worst case scenario he drops the mouse and stops eating. But more than likely after you leave the room, he will pick the mouse right back up and do his thing. My kings used to drop their food if I try to watch them eat. After I left the room, they ate anyway.

Your snake reminds me of my skink. He would go into hunting mode when he eats roaches or large hornworms. He would charge, grab, shake it repeatedly, walk around with it, crushing it against the glass or the floor, then finally eats it.