Yea, I have 2 very calm snakes, so I don't use anything. My rufous is always fun to get out, I put my pinky in the hide and pet him and then I pull my hand out in front, and he will come out, and wrap around up my arm then I just lift my arm out.
I'm not sure how old my rostratus is, but I believe he is still a juvenile, he is about 11-12 inches long, but very thin.