Welcome to the site!
First off you need to get a thermostat for your UTH ASAP. UTH's when left unregulated can and will get dangerously hot (130+ degrees F) This is more than hot enough to seriously burn your snake.
Please read through this thread, it covers cage heating and thermostats. (there are recommendations for good thermostats and thermometers inside in every price range):
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers
Second, there is no need to feed you snake in a separate container. It is a myth that snakes become aggressive by feeding them in their cage, and you actually increase the chances of getting bit by moving the snake into a separate feeding container as well as potentially stress the snake.
How thick is your layer of aspen?
It's best to have 2 hides that are identical that way the snake won't have to choose which one it prefers. This might be part of your issue, it sounds like your hides might be a little big as well.
Can you post a picture of your cage?
How to post pictures: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...with-pictures)
And finally if you haven't read through this sites care sheet yet I suggest that you do so. Many pet store employees have little knowledge about reptiles and tend to spread misinformation:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet
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