It sure looks like a redtail to me!
Redtails are actually one of the better tempered snakes and less prone to biting. I once took care of a full grown blood python that was aggressive as heck!!! I can't count how many times that nasty sucker bit me! Just don't be afraid of bites! We have a larger (compared to the size they come in at) brooks kingsnake at work. It's bitten so many people but I've handled it dozens of times without him even striking at me. I've seen the way they handle him and I think it's because they jerk around suddenly because they're scared of being bitten. I just confidently reach in, pull him out, and no problems whatsoever. AW2 said it, when you handle snakes you accept that at some point you may be bitten and all you can do is try to lessen the chance of it. At his size it would hurt but it's not the horror you may think and the only danger from it is if the cut were to get infected. They just don't have these huge CHOMPERS like a dog or anything! Their teeth are really skinny and sharp, only meant to hold onto prey and help manuver it down it's throat, not actually do any damage. Just be confident and calm.
Be very careful with some of those "bug sprays"!!!! I've seen snakes get an accidental overdose which can kill them!! I'd seriously do a websearch for herp clubs and such and ask them what the bug things are and what to use on them to be safe!! Check this out first but I heard from a vet that you can use Listerine on snakes and their enclosures. Hmmm maybe, possibly, I dunno but it might be worth looking into.
Make absolutely sure that eggcrate lid is secure! Snakes are a lot stronger than you might think and very good at getting out of their enclosures! Not that he's going to hurt you or anything but it may be dangerous to HIM if he got out!
Some snakes enjoy a little swim and it can be both good exercise for them and good for their skin. Just fill the tub with a few inches of warmish water. If you keep the humidity right in his enclosure and something for him to rub on, though, he should shed just fine even without baths. My little rainbow has shed three times since we got her and each one was a PERFECT full skin with the eyecaps on it and no tears or anything! That's exactly what you want to see! If they shed off in patches or something they may need a little warm water soak to help them get the rest off. And never pull it off! You can hurt them doing that. When his colors start to look a bit "faded" or "muted" and especially if his eyes turn kind of cloudy that means his old skin is seperating from the new one underneath and he's getting ready to shed. They can be kinda grouchy when they're "in the blue" like this (about to shed) and may not eat again till they shed so be a little more cautious about handling and such at that time and don't panic if he refuses to eat.
Bleh I would NOT only change out his substrate every 6 months and the packaging on that stuff is insane!! I use reptile carpet so when I see something in there (usually a nice little snake poo, icky
) I can just take it out and wash it. For your kind of bedding I'd guess just scoop out any poo areas you see right away (although they really aren't messy and you won't find a whole ton of snake poo in there
) then do a full change out at least every week or two. Maybe someone who uses the stuff can tell us how often they have to do a full change out?
Also start thinking right away about what kind of enclosure you're going to need down the line as these guys can get quite big!!!! Most people build enclosures for them as it gives the snake much more room for the money. Again, a good herp club or something could probably point you towards some great designs and such for these!
