Very sorry to hear about the passing of your snake I know it can be hard, especially with such a new one.

For what it's worth, I fed mine in her cage today, live and right on the aspen bedding. No mess, full face strike, no biting, no bedding in her mouth. I'm not going to keep this method, but it's nice to see that it worked for her this one time.

Again, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. Did you have a name for him?