I would recommend the gloves too, I wore them at first when I got my first snake. I make the kids wash their hands before & after handling the snakes & I do the same thing myself. I also don't handle them the day before or after feeding or if they are in shed. The kids are nervous still so we do short, frequent handling sessions so they always have a pleasant experience & I take the snake from them if I see them getting nervous, which they do when the snake turns into curious george