i see what your saying about the disease factor in the lizard. ive tried to feed him crickets like u say by the hand but he never takes them. and its not like hes not hungry. right afterwards ill offer a mealworm and he takes it with no hesitation. he probably is lazy.. like me haha. ill def try the large cockroach or silk worm. ill just have to wait until the next snake show to get some. thanks