Good to hear things went well!

I have noticed that the smaller the prey the quicker the end - by a large amount. In fact, in his last feed, Snakey managed to deliver an instant fatality to the smaller of the two mice. I did not witness this directly, but I have watched him eat many many times and I know how long each part takes.

I was on the phone and had to take a number down. I dropped the mouse into the feeding tub and went to get a pen. By the time I was to the door I heard a squeek. I went directly to get a pen and returned to the room to begin taking the number. When I got there he was already starting to swallow. Based on the time I was gone there is simply no other explanation - the mouse died instantly.

I'm not squeemish about it but when the struggle goes into the 30 sec range I start to feel too sorry for the mouse. Anyway, something to keep in mind if you ever have to feed live again.