I have tried just about all the substrates I can find and right now I have all my sub adults and adults on Aspen pellets. I havn't had any trouble with shedding and as soon as one of the snakes poop. Those pellets suck it right up into a ball. As far as the hatchlings I have been using paper towels with them and the snakes I am cooling right now is on paper towels. I guess it should be ok to keep them on paper towels while they cool since there is no feeding at this time.