Taming my hamster

Question
I have had my hamster now for about 3 months. It is a male, long haired syrian hamster. I have given him a large cage, he has plenty of things to do and doesnt seem bored but as of yet i have not been able to tame him. I have tried using gloves to get him used to being handled and without causing me pain but it doesnt seem to work. He will run the full length of his cage to bite me when i go to put food in his bowl but it is not just a curious nip that he gives, he has torn skin from me and shed blood many times. He is so cute and i really want to handle him, i just don't know what other options i have. Any reply or suggestion would be highly appreciated.
Thank You
Laura and her crazy hamster Derwent

Answer
Hi Laura,

first of all, treats and food work WONDERS when trying to tame your hamster. Get some raisins and some shelled peanuts. hold the raisin by your thumb and index finger and feed them to him through the bars. When he seems happy enough to take them (at first he'll just snatch and run but after a while, when he sees you he'll be expecting the treats), try putting your hand in the cage, again thumb and index finger, and feeding him there. Once he's happy with that try putting the food on the palm of your hand and letting him climb on. Don't make any sudden movements, or he will jump and lose any trust that he's gained. you can use different kinds of treats like tiny pieces of cheese, carrots, digestive biscuits etc. Find out which ones he responds too best. Once he is completely happy with being on your hands, try lifting him out of the cage while he is collecting the food, put the cage on your bed, so that if he tries to jump he doesn't get hurt.

This may take a while, a few weeks to a few months, but be patient he SHOULD come round eventually.

Best of Luck and thank you for your question :)

Joanne xxx