Best bedding is what is affordable and available for you, addresses their needs, (slow bacteria/mold growth, absorbant, etc..) , and lastly, does well for your sense of aesthetics.
Originally Posted by RedSidedSPR
My snake, being wild caught and still getting used to me, would not eat if I moved him to another container. It would just freak him out.
I have the same problem. I must get them to take food where they sit in their enclosures. If I have to wait until it's half swallowed to move them, then that's what I usually have to do.
Small pieces of bark, even if it's fir, can be a problem and so yes, I have to make sure they don't swallow it. This is generally not a problem for me, because my snakes always climb to the top of the enclosure to take food from my fingers or tongs. A heavy misting to wet the bark keeps it from sticking to food anyway. A little loose coconut fiber swallowed is no more harmful than common dirt.
From now on, I'll treat others like they treat me. Some will be glad, others should be scared