Exactly, well said, Judy. BP's don't really seem to care about their substrate, as long as it's not too sharp or in other ways uncomfortable. My corn snakes, however, would have a fit if I didn't use a deep enough layer of bedding. I personally use aspen after experimenting with three other substrates, and I really love it. So, it seems, do all my other animals (mice and rats included).

As for handling, I hold my girl for around 5-10 minutes at least once a week...twice a week if I'm lucky and don't have a lot of homework to take up my time. My corns I try to handle at least twice a week for more like 10-20 minutes.