My snake is head shy a bit, but if I come from behind and touch his head, he doesn't seem to mind. He will actually let me rub his head and under his chin. But if I come from the front, he ducks back. My husbandry is good also, but sometimes after holding the snake, he will hang out on the tree branch for a while before going back to the hide. If you are getting good sheds, and the snake is eating good, I wouldnt worry about it being out in the branches sometimes.