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[Greebo]

Confidence is the key.
It sounds as if you may be a little hesitant in handling the snake.
Your snake is still only small, if it bites you, you wil probably survive.
I personally don't think hooks are needed for non-venemous snakes.
Always pick the snake up about midway in a smooth action. If the snake swings it's head towards your hand.(this is important)..DO NOT pull your hand away. Pulling your hand away will teach the snake how to 'bluff' you and you don't want that. You have to be willing to risk getting bitten in order not to get bitten....does that make sense?
By the same token...if your snake is already in a defensive pose..you should not try to handle it. Snakes have bad hair days too.
You probably know most of this anyway.....