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[orsm]

I know that this topic has been discussed to death. However please bear with me on this one as I am currently unsure about whether to handle my new snake or not. I got my first M.sp.cheynei 3 weeks ago. In case you havent already guessed, this is also my first snake. I had lizards and turtles in the past but they are obviously not the same.

On the advice of the breeder, I have left the snake alone in its click clack to avoid stressing it. I fed it fuzzy last Friday and it shed yesterday. I was cleaning the cage today and based on the previous advice, used a hook to remove the snake.

Now the snake was extremely active when I removed it from its cage. In fact, I struggled a bit trying to place it in a separate holding container while cleaning its cage. Many times, it tried to roam around the room and a few times I have been tempted to hold it (even though I am quite certain that this guy may be psychotic).

Now my question is :

how do I hold the snake without stressing it? do I just leave my hand there and hope that the snake will slide to it or is there another technique?

Many experienced breeders have advised against handling snakes and I respect that. However it will be difficult to get the Missus to accept it as part of the family if she's not comfortable with it. I am hoping that I can at least hold the snake once a week until the missus gets used to it.

Any useful advice appreciated.

--orsm