Snake handling pros and cons

[infernalis]

He's a subject that gets brought up a lot in threads, So I figured let's have a good old fashion discussion/debate about what is considered acceptable or unacceptable and what is just plain common sense.

Myself, I do not do a lot of handling.. However once again my situation is unique, trying to handle a small snake that only wants to freak out and musk all over you simplifies the decision.

I don't even care to handle our bigger snakes, it's just not natural to the snake. at best I feel they tolerate us, and it's too easy to think that an animal paralyzed by fear is calm or "tame"

Think of this, if you're sitting on the sofa holding your snake, why does it keep trying to get under the cushions?

Some people want to think that their snakes love to be held...others prefer to observe them.

At the same time, a little handling is necessary if you ever plan to clean the cages or take them to a vet..

what's your take??