Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok so the rat that our python ate was probablly a wee to big for him. Im not real concerned about the size of the meal but my question is, what is normal behavior while they're digesting a big meal?
I have been watching and its almost like he is taking really big breaths. Or is it muscle contractions or both? Basically i just want to know if this is a normal part of digestion!?
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Mike & Wendy

2.0.0 Siberian husky, Jackrussel/schitzu
0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0.1 Leopard Gecko
4.0.0 Beta's
3.1.0 Future Herper's

Without seeing first hand what your snake is doing it would be hard to say for sure - but no - even with a big mean your snake should not be gasping - maybe he's trying to regurge it? Again without more background on the situation it's difficult to say what is going on.
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Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

6.34.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi)
0.1.0 Bredls Python (Smurfette)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.4 frogs rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.0 Lizards of unknown origin

I really hope that is not what is going on. As i have never seen this behavior in snakes i wouldnt really know tho. He ate friday night. I dont know how long it would take him to decide to regurge and then actually do it but i would think he would have already done it by now.Since he has eaten he spent a lil while roaming around and when i sprayed his enclosure down he rubed up on the sides of the tank where the water was and has also been to his watering hole a few times to get a drink. Other then that he has mainly stayed in his warm hide right above the heater curled up the best he can since he ate.
Is there certain things that they do while they are digesting there food or do they just act as they would with out a fresh meal in there stomachs?
I could try and get some digital video and post it on the net and give you the link?

THanks for the reply and hopefully im worring about nothing!
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Mike & Wendy

2.0.0 Siberian husky, Jackrussel/schitzu
0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0.1 Leopard Gecko
4.0.0 Beta's
3.1.0 Future Herper's