Corn snake pooping a lot

[Sophiespn]

Hi,

I recently got a Carolina corn (just over a week ago) and since day one he's pooped on me every single day (except for the day after his feeding when I didn't handle him).
Bit of back story. He's roughly 4 months old and I've fed him one large pinky since I got him (he gets fed once every Monday). I try to handle him a little every day so he can get used to me and being handled and he actually handles really well. He's really curious and affectionate. The only thing is, he's pooping on me every time. I've learnt to read the signs of when he's going to do it so I can make sure I've got tissue or something so it's not on my clothes. I was just wondering if this is normal. It starts out as a yellowy, white colour (which I'm assuming is his pee) and then it's the brown poop.
I figured he'd poop right after feeding but not all week long. I've taken care of snakes before on my animal management course in college and not once was I crapped on.
So I was just wondering if you guys think this is normal or not?
Thanks

[EL Ziggy]

Welcome aboard and best wishes Sophie. It's called musking and lots of snakes do it as a defense mechanism. Its perfectly normal. He should grow out of it fairly quickly. I try not to handle new arrivals too much until they've eaten 2-3 times for me. Let him get acclimated to his new home and realize that you're not going to eat him then he'll be fine. Post pics of your critter when you can.

[craigafrechette]

Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of snake keeping!!

Ziggy is pretty spot on. Your snake is still nervous when being handled and musking. Besides fleeing and biting, these guys can't do much else to defend themselves. So, when frightened, they will musk in hopes that the smell will deter predators. They may also rattle their tails to give the audio illusion that they're a dangerous species to ward off predators.
Both of these behaviors are perfectly normal and are typically outgrown pretty quickly.

Also, Ziggy mentioned holding off from handling new critters. I advocate for this 1000% as well. I personally advise new keepers to let their snake get three consecutive meals without refusal before handling. This allows the animal to acclimate to new surroundings and feel comfortable. I know it's tempting to want to hold your new pet, but you'll have 20 years for that, so it's best to let the little guy settle in.

Good luck and feel free to ask any questions you may have!

[Sophiespn]

Ok thank you both! That makes a lot more sense. He's taken food off me twice with no problems now and even let me watch as he did his first full shed with me. Amazing by the way.
I'll heed your advice and give him some time to settle in before handling him a lot. Thanks a bunch
I'd upload a pic of Godric but all the ones I try, it says the file is too big and I don't know how to change that 😂