As was said earlier, make sure you wash your hands before handling any snake. You may have other smells on you from patting a dog or cat, or other animal/bird. It is also good hygeine practice to wash hands between handling each snake.
As far as handling, while it is young the bites don't hurt. It takes a few bites to get used to the shock of the snake striking at you but after a while you'll be fine. If the snake is still snappy at a stage where it is drawing blood, try wearing a pair of riggers gloves to protect your fingers and webbing between your fingers (from experience, when they bite the webbing it doesn't tickle!
) Just remember, don't pull back suddenly when the snake strikes as you can damage its teeth.
Good Luck
Shane
