So I recently had a corn snake that I took a chance on. He had a previous owner so I wasn't quite sure what I was getting. I had him for 9 weeks and I loved him a ton, unfortunatly a couple weeks ago he died. One good thing about the experience was that I found i love snakes! So after missing little Radley I broke down today and got a new baby. I beautiful Ball python I names Bentley. I've never had a ball python and I know I'm doing at least one thing wrong already so I'd like to ask now so that I can correct it as fast as possible. 1st off I did half and half for his substrate. Half forest floor stuff, and half sand (smooth sand). I figured it would be gentle enough to act as a natural exfoliant while shedding and also be soft enough. He seems to be doing perfect in it but I thought I'd ask anyways if it is acceptable. 2nd, as long as the cage is the right temp it is ok to spray bentley directly with water right? I really want him to stay hydrated so whenever the humidity is alittle off I spray the cage, it always sprays him too. I think he's about to shed but no blue eyes yet, just a lot of rubbing on the rocks. Something funny: I just brought him home today and I love him a ton but he hisses soo much! All I want to do is hold him cause he's so cute but he's being a meanie. I understand his attitude though, i'd be mad if someone took me from my home and put me in another one two. Do you guys think i should at least wait a few days before holding him? I'm going to have to handle him soon...he has mites. poor baby.