They really are an easy snake to handle... but the not waggling fingers is a good idea.

Be consistent. I always scoop from the side and do not come in from the face.

If he is attending to what you're doing, does not mean he is going to bite, just means he is being a good snake and keeping up on what is happening.

I do both, pick them up while they are out slumming around, as well as lift the hide. Just don't make silly errors, like lifting the hide by the door way... fingers in the door... pretty tempting stuff to nip at.

Bruce