Devon,
This is just the system I use. Individual results may vary. Read warning label before use. Not actual size. Maybe substituted without notice. Use in well ventilated area. Do not shake. Sorry, I should have posted a warning label with the post
I also have used and continue to use the feed outside the living are a method. You were quick to notice that I do have high numbers and out of necessity group feeding is called for. I do keep containers handy so I can drop individuals in if I want that snake to eat unmolested.
As far as bedding goes, I use a compressed aspen pellet so ingestion is usually not a problem. When the pellet gets wet it simply falls apart into a saw dust material. If a piece were ingested it would pass through the digestive track quite easily. I have never seen any of my snakes(babies or adults) eat this stuff, even during feeding time.
Garter's (speaking of my radixes) seem to recognize food time from social time and adjust very quickly.