None of those pictures worked, I suggest using the IMG code. As far as handling, it really depends on the snakes personality. I have some that can't handle being held for more than 10 minutes at a time before they start getting stressed, and I have some that I could take out for hours if I wanted to. I'd start small and work your way up. I handle mine daily with no issue, but as I said some are only for a very short period of time. Signs of stress would be roaming during the day and any other "out of context" behavior that he doesn't normally do.