I'm just going to pop in here really quick. I used to feed my Ball Python in a separate tub but decided not to move him the next time he ate. I just put down a paper towel before offering the mouse so he didn't eat substrate also. He has never bitten me and realizes my hand is not food. This might not work with every snake but mine is a more consistent eater inside the tank, and has never missed a meal when I leave him in the tank to eat.