aspen question

[Diamond Serpents]

I also feed in a separate cardboard box so I don't have to worry about her accidentally ingesting it or her thinking its strike time when I get her out to handle or clean...

This is a myth, but its on of those thing you are going to have to try for your self. When I started out with BPs over 2 years ago I did the same thing took the snake out put in tote fed it in there thinking it would make it less agressive. If a BP is going to bite you its going to bit you regardless of what you do, or where you feed it.

I also use Aspen, never had a problem with it yet. I do plan to switch over to news paper here soon because it is cheaper.