I picked up my first Ball Python from Winnipeg Reptiles while i was in the city over the long weekend, and once again my family thinks it's crazy for a girl to like and own reptiles. here is a picture of him when i got him on Saturday.



I have a couple of questions on this guy,
the first is that I'm using Aspen bedding for him since i have it laying around from my corn snake. I've been misting to keep the humidity up but my concern is that the aspen will grow mold or something from the water, would it be better to use paper towel like my Crestie uses to keep in humidity. If i use aspen how often should i change the bedding since i have to mist it...

the second is that he seems to be really nippy, he strikes anything near him if it moves or not he also bit himself on a few occasions, he bit me about five times just trying to carefully get him into his new home, one of which left a bruise on me. He has not really improved. I've been trying to leave him alone, but even if i change the water or mist no where near him he will hiss and strike at me even if I'm on the other side of the tank. Will he chill out eventually, it's hard to think that he doesn't trust me. I'm hoping he will calm down soon, is there anyway i can increase his trust so he doesn't bite as much, no one wants to have anything to do with him since he strikes out.

Thanks for your time