Well the holding and waiting a week can differ per snake, you did take good caution to not hold, BUT if he is eating well, and showing no signs of stress (relentless moving always on the go) then you can freely hold him, But with mine i wait till 1-2 feedings till i 100% will take them out for "play time" with 34 snakes its nice new 1 every day! with letting them have there time on there own aswell.. Gorgeous snake aswell his dorsal strip is very nice!