So I know this is a VERRRRY old thread... But I just wanted to bend y'alls ears for a bit on this topic.

I see many people talk about how in the wild, snakes would be exposed to dirt, debris, leaves, etc (loose substrate) so it's not a problem to feed them on these substrates. And this is a fine point. My question is, since in the wild our snakes are also exposed to predators, changing climates, and many other things they don't necessarily need in captivity, why also expose them to something that may potentially irritate them? Does that make sense? I feed my snakes in separate Sterilite containers because there's no chance of getting any substrate in the way of their meal, and they are very easy to clean. I choose to use either Aspen or Dri-Dek with newspaper underneath because I worry about the tiny particulates of coco husk or dirt getting stuck in the labial pits, possibly leading to poor shed or infection. Not to mention getting in the snake's mouth.

Also, thanks to everyone for your input over the years of this thread, and thanks for humoring me on this post!