I really wish there was more info available on these animals. Due to the genetic variability among snake to snake and the snake's actual ability to communicate; its really hard. At least with a dog or a cat you know when something is detrimental or beneficial to the animal because you can sense their overall mood. Doing this with a snake is really hard and leaves it all to the owners intuition; which is why I guess the "do what works for you phrase came about".

I give you credit for taking the time to actually try this out. Good luck with it.