about to make the dreadful switch :tears:

[rabernet]

ya but the bones come in a wrapped up package that is fairly well stream lined ... and once the prey item makes it to the stomach they remain there untill fully digested ...a random chunck of aspen travelling down the snakes digestive track with its jagged edges could most definatly get caught up and cause some serious side effects ....

You're overthinking things. First, I'm not sure what type of aspen you're using, but none of the kind I've every used has had random chunks in them. Secondly, breeders have been feeding on cypress mulch (that DOES have chunks in them) for YEARS with no ill effects. Can you name anyone who has actually had an injury as a result of feeding on substrate?

My point is - people sensationalize "what if" scenarios, and yet no one seems to know first hand someone that it's happened to.

If F/T is more convenient for you - then use F/T.

The people responding here are giving you common sense answers to your other options and shared their REAL LIFE experiences doing so. I've fed over 4000 live prey items in the last 4 years to multiple snakes, on many different types of bedding. I've not had a single injury, I've not had any impactions, no one has keeled over from eating a rodent that may have chowed down on dog kibble.

Fearing the worst outcome, when the best outcome is your more likely outcome seems exhausting to me.