My son was exposed to feeding at 4, it didn't bother him, however he did have a lot of questions, which I happily answered. He isn't traumatized and we have switched to F/T and he feeds the snakes (with help of course). He finds it interesting and understands that everything has to eat something to survive. I think if there was a lot of blood involved there may have been an issue. I really do think it depends on the child though. When you think he is ready and you are willing to sit and talk and asnwer questions then all should be good.