We use Forest Bark in some of our setups and even though the pieces are a LITTLE bit smaller than the repti bark they are still large enough that our snakes would have a hard time accidentally ingesting a piece while feeding. In the bigger enclosures I use the outdoor carpet mentioned above - was able to get a 6x6' piece for around $15. At tlat price you can clean/reuse it a few times then just chuck it for new. In our quarantine setup newspaper for sheer simplicity and maintenance (esp with mites).