thats exactly what worries me. The pain doesnt worry me at all but I know when it does happen, it will be so fast and it will startle me. and im worried i will jerk away or pull back and possibly hurt the snake by pulling his teeth out or something. haha. he seems like a good boy though. the second night i got him, he got sick (it was kinda like coughing or sneezing) and his body was contorted up in a way. and i moved him away from where he was in his cage so he wouldnt hit his head on his hide or log and he didnt bother me at all. i think hes a really good one. he has never snapped at me or anything but still im worried for some reason. haha. im sure ill get over it.