you may not like the idea of having a "rule" about the kids telling you that they are going to take out one of the snakes because of the ages of the children vs. the size of the snake (at this point in time).

just please keep in mind what the wife will say/think if those children get one out and "forget" to put it back and close the cage up all the way (and there is a loose snake in the house).

i'm not saying that the kids are irresponsable but rather you have to be the responsable one for the animal reguardless of the type of animal it is.

you take these creatures into your home/heart as part of your family in a mannor of speaking and as such you have to think what is best for it not what is convient for you.

as the adult in the family you have to look beyond the oh well if the kid gets bit it will learn not to touch it like that again... the object over all is to keep all (children and animals) safe using common sense.