Another alternative to using a hook is to try feeding your snake in a seperate tub. All of my snakes have seperate feeding tubs and they know to associate those tubs with food since that's where they get fed. Ive rarely had a problem with opening their tub in the rack and them initially thinking my hand is food, the few times they've showed some initial interest was only cuz I forgot to wash my hands after handling my rats so I smelled like food. But even then after about 2 seconds they got over it. I realize they have small brains and there is not alot of learning going on in there but I believe you can condition them to an extent.