Do snakes require a lot of attention?

No, they prefer to be left alone although many will tolerate or even seem to enjoy being held. You could handle them for 30 min sessions everyday or a few minutes every other week if you want. Try not to handle more than 1 or 2 times a day or too long of time at once, if you feel that they are cold, put them back. Some species will need constant handling to stay docile, though, while others will need to never be handled unless cleaning their cage or for emergencies.