From what I understand most people have found that unless the only time you are putting your hand in the cage, the snake isn't going to mistake you for food. If out of 7 days you reach in once a day to get the snake out, give it water, or whatever, there is only one time when your associated with food out of 7. As long as you don't smell like a mouse or rat when you reach in, they aren't going to mistake you for food. ^_^