Food Size versus Rate of Growth in colubrids

[Beardonicus]

but also that there would be more fur-covered surface area and maybe even an overall increase in nondigestible caca?

I was thinking the same thing.....but what Seamus said kinda answers this question....since the smaller prey items have a smaller surface area, the "good stuf" inside will be digested quicker and more easily....neutralizing the greater amount of undigestable hair, etc.

I have a male Western Hognose snake who eats anywhere from every 2-7 days depending on what leftovers I have and when he is shedding...he has shown an amazing rate of growth, much moreso than some of my other colubrids. This is a very interesting topic indeed.