I don't think I've explained it well enough. As I understand it the size of prey should equal snake @ widest point. I've heard even you can go as much as 1.5x This rat is probably close to 2x. I'm just scared my boy is going to rip his face off or something. BTW thanks for your quick reply. If this helps I'm noticing he keeps coiling around the rat, I don't know if its to try to compact it. I have seen him do that before. I did a search for past forums and I was reading how snakes will "size up" their potential meals and if they feel like they can't eat it they won't try. Monty had no problem taking down the rat and immediately began to try and eat it. I just need to know he's going to be ok even if I have to stay up half the night while he eats it.