I treat my BP's like my boa. before feeding I get them out and hold them for about 15 minutes, till they warm up and start moving about. I don't know if it helps with the feeding but they readily take their food item once warm and so I've stuck with that. from the time they go down on their feeding pad, I handle them minimally to get them back in their enclosures and generally let them be for 24-48 hours. I might hold them again for 15-30 with my son for a time or two between weekly feedings. we keep all other critters away. we have a rabit, a hampster and a dog and really, never the twian shall meet. we don't generally let them explore, maybe when my kids get older and more dependable at staying focussed and not losing them.