I handle everyday except pre-shed, post-feed, etc. Usually, I try to only take him out if he's out or at least "on-duty" with his head hanging out of his hide.
Its really encouraging to hear about so many peope integrating the snakes into their lives. I think its really easy to get wrapped up in the "everything has to be just so for the snake" trip. I think alot of the really hardcore people really love their snakes but are more into the technical aspect of keeping them.
For one thing, any animal on this planet (especially land animals) has to have a reasonable tolerance to its environment or else it would simply go extinct. Your snake is not going to keel over if he's a few degrees off for a while - if ever.
Unless someone really doesn't bond well with animals, I would encourage them to rely mostly on their relationship with the snake to guide them. Any rules like "only handle them when X because of Y" are practically meaningless and, in fact, destructive. When I came home from the pet store (a snake store mind you) I had some good general advice and I was so happy with my snake. But, the more I read and the more I researched the more I became paranoid. Everybody has advice: "don't do this, don't do that. Perfectly identical hides. 95.6767 degrees." bah that's all way overkill and I think totally discourages people having an enjoyable pet. Its not to say that these things won't make your snake more comfortable but I think what happens is that there is this hidden implication that, if things aren't just so, horrible things will happen. That's just not true.
I don't handle my snake after eating because I can appreciate how I feel after stuffing myself. Also, I can tell when he's clearly taking the day off. Sometimes he's not that outgoing but I get him out anyway because he's my pet. It's just like having a cat. Sometimes they're into it, sometimes they'll chew your hand off if you don't leave them alone, and sometimes you go and pick them up and pet them even if they protest a bit.
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