I know someone who just lays down a piece of cardboard or newspaper that covers a good portion of the tub during feeding. Snake feeds on that, no substrate is ingested. Don't have to take the snake out and stress them, and you can use whatever bedding you want. Like a plate, haha. Plus it helps keep things clean if your snake gets a little over zealous with squeezing the rat.. Blood is usually caught on the plate/cardboard/paper and then is thrown out!