biacanbobby, this year i had a hatchling
Spotted Python that was a bit of a trouble feeder to get started. When it finally ate, it did a similar thing your explaining, i just left the thawed mouse near it & it started to eat. No strike, just began swallowing. I see no problem with that, as long as its getting its food!
As for grabbing the mouse but then letting go, i find the Childrens group more picky with whats going on around them than Carpets while feeding. After your snake has the mouse, are you remaining totally still? If its a nervouse snake to begin with & then it sees movement, it will let go.
