i simply don't always agree with the "hold whenever you want" approach. For one, all snakes are different. Its nice that your school corns enjoy this but maybe a hatchling who hasn't even eaten yet most likely won't.
Not to mention, some hatchlings and even yearlings just do not like being held after food, during shed, etc. For first time owners especially, I would not say hold whenever you want. Snakes simply are not cats or dogs, and *some* not all, but some, stress out and end up with numerous other problems from being held to often. Including some of mine. I think what this pet store owner meant, was that holding to much at first can cause stress, which causes a failure to eat. She just went a little over board on the explanation is all *LOL* (the fatal part)
Its lucky the school corns are so willing!
bmm
All just my opinion!