We started with 5 mins a crack and not more than 2 times per week. However depending on what the definition of "handle" is it varies for us. We probably had a 30+ minute go the other day. but that was the snake chilling on my chest while I was resting and my son was lying next to me. We usually let her crawl or curl up wherever she wants and we just watch her.

As far as active handling, we keep touching and picking up to a minimum.

Aaron (Serpent Merchant) also told us to learn from the snake. So if all our temps are spot on (they are) and something changes in the eating pattern, my guess would be we've had too much contact.

I like UFC with the snake comment. I watched it last night too. I think with snake in lap and a nice beverage on the side would have been perfect. We have some work before that chilling can go down however.