Quote Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
I apologize for not explaining myself better, its been a long day.

I am currently using natural shredded substrate (I don't remember exactly what its made of, but its ball python safe. I think it might be coconut shred?) Its easier for the snake to swallow IF it gets in their mouth, and also easier to digest because its smaller bits. Since I started using tongs, he hasn't gotten much substrate in his mouth, and if he has, he passed it in his next evacuation)

I feed live and dangle from the tail. Monty was a rescue and refuses f/t. I've tried every way there is, and the only thing he eats is live. We had the issue with him getting substrate in his mouth when we were using bark (he usually got it out on his own), but it gave me anxiety so I talked to a specialist about the best way to go, and the combination of those two things is what he suggested, and it has worked wonders

Hope that helps.
Much better.