Quote Originally Posted by PhillyDude View Post
Thanks!
1) I can definitely do the paper towel under the food thing... he's a pretty "clean" eater but it can't hurt.
2) In the wild, how do they deal with dirt/debris that they might ingest while picking up food off the ground?
They would injest the debris. Although they do have a technique where they spit out bits of debris if they feel it in their mouth. I don't know how to describe how they do it, but it's obviously better to prevent the substrate getting in the mouth.

3) So is he a garter or a ribbon?

4) I'd prefer not to handle him, and to be honest, I'm not really sure how to even start to "tame" him... never had a snake before.
Looks like a garter to me. I'm not sure it's a marcianus, the head and colour seem a bit wrong, so I'm going to suggest an Eastern and let Marnie (and anyone else) agree/disagree.

Most garters are tame already. Some people like to handle their snakes, others prefer to just watch, it's up to you what you do but the "taming" process is simply a matter of getting them accustomed to having you around until they are comfortable to sit in your hand.