I got my first BP this past Sunday and have a couple questions. He's my first snake, and I really want to make sure that I'm doing everything right.

I haven't fed him yet, but when I do, I'm planning on feeding him in a separate enclosure. Because of this, I'd like to put some type of substrate on the bottom of his tank. Would aspen or cypress mulch be better?

Last night, he defecated, and I very surprised to find that it didn't smell at all. Does BP poo generally not smell (I'm certainly not complaining)?

I've noticed him yawning about four times since I got him. I thought snakes only yawn after eating. I read on another forum that yawning can be a symptom of respiratory infections, which has me worried, although I'm probably overreacting. He seems very healthy - active, alert, clean eyes, nostrils. Should I be concerned about the yawning?