On average I don't handle mine, but I think it's important to desensitize them to it so you can handle them for medicating, moving, examining and treating injuries/wounds, etc. Some will take to it just fine, others never will. Jelly Bean and Shirley don't mind it much; Honey-Lime, no way! I haven't tried much to desensitize Lucy and Martha, so they aren't fans of the occasional handle when I do have to move them. I wear gloves 95% of the time, but the times I don't have gloves my hands have been washed and totally rinsed with dechlorinated water.