Well i feed defrost and they know its feeding time coz a pre scent.

So handling a 4ft+ snake in feeding mode is a sure way to get nailed IMO. Even after they have eaten they will always take another one.

I would suggest you remove any items that could potentially get swallowed before you start to defrost / pre scent the room

I've had snakes for 8 years and have not been biten yet

jim