I always believed regurging an oversized prey item was a possibility in most snake species. I have only heard of it happening with chondros one time. In that instance, the prey item was actually another young chondro it was housed with. From what I remember, it regurged then died shortly after.

As far as the quail being too large, can't really comment on that but the fact that it took an hour to swallow doesn't mean much. I have had young chondros take a long time with appropriate sized mice before. Some just don't seem to be in a big hurry.

Bart