I took one in froma buddy that didn't want it anymore. The fukin thing was mean and shit all over it's cage. It stunk and I got rid of it too. The dude that lived below me had turtles and spiders and lizards of all sorts, so she got a good home. He handled her enough that she got pretty cool eventually. Things was like 4 feet long! That tail hurt like a bitch!
Mine is just over 5 feet with his tail. He is quite freindly, even eats from my hand. He is 5 years old and has never bitten anyone. He has tailed me a few times, but they were all my fault. He only poops where he is supposed to (in a water tray) and doesn't smell at all. I guess you just had some bad luck.
My buddy just got 2 new snakes. They are both only about a month old. One is a boa and the other a pyhton. Not sure on what exact breed, but the python has the same coloring as the boa.
I HAVE A FRIEND THAT RAISES THEM. HE HAS TWO THAT STAY IN A CAGE AND ROAM THE HOUSE. THEY EVEN LET THEM OUT IN THE BACK YARD FOR A FEW HOURS TO LET THEM CHILL ON THE POOLS DECK. HE HAS AN INCUBATOR TO RAISE THE EGGS IN BUT THE FIRST TIME HE TRIED, HE COOKED ALL THE EGGS. THE INCUBATOR WAS TOO HOT.