I don't see a problem removing them from their hides especially in the evening hours. Just be slow about it and let him know you are there with gentle stroking. We do find coming at them from the side rather than right over top of them helps (probably doesn't trigger an "omg it's a freakin predator" response from them lol). Sometimes they won't mind it, sometimes they will object. They are after all living creatures that have their moods and sometimes what works one day won't work the next.