Pretty good advice above.

I just don't handle my animals during shed. It is a critical time period for them. They have reduced visibility, and they are using energy reserves to shed, and digest. Usually there is some type of waste elimination during the shed phase.

As stated above, the snake doesn't know you are there to handle it, and by instinct wants to avoid potential predators and harm.

If you are experiencing this EVERY time you try to handle the snake, I suggest hook training and then handling the animal.

It may cause initial stress, but working with the snake consistently usually calms it and gets it accustomed to handling. I suggest doing this frequently before the animal develops some real size.

It was mentioned above to do this 2-3 days after a meal and I agree.