They are beautiful snakes! Love the beauties although I don't think I'll ever end up owning one...no more room for more species! As for the counter. Who cares?? I've soaked snakes in the sink, washed water bowls, thaw rats out for the snake and the cats and no one is dropping dead from salmonella. I clean the counters...not like insanity but with some dish soap and a wash cloth. For goodness sakes....I'm handling horse's feet, petting dogs, handling snakes and cleaning up after all of them....I'm still alive so far and I prepare food in the same place I thaw the rats and soak the snakes....I will be O.K....promise!