we got a new hamster

Question
Me and my boyfriend just got a new teddy bear hamster on friday (10-6) and i know we were suppose to wait 48 hours but we couldn't help but pick it up a little. It was scared but not too bad. Then the next time i picked her up she jumped out of my hands before she was even out of the cage and skidded across my boyfriend's desk and fell through the crack! I was freaking out but my boyfriend got her and she was ok just shooken up. no it's tuesday and we haven't touched her barely at all. when will she be ready for us to play with her? or did i screw up by letting her fall?

Answer
Hi Lindsay,

It's fine for you to go ahead and begin handling your hamster.  (Don't worry, you didn't screw up by accidentally letting her fall - unless you see that the fall caused physical damage, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.)  In the future, as your hamster is gaining trust in you, sit on the floor while you're handling her.  That way, if she jumps, she won't have far to fall.

Make sure she sees and smells your hand before you pick her up.  Never suddenly pick her up - her instinct will be to bite you or jump.  Also never wake her up suddenly.

To begin handling her, place a treat, such as a plain Cheerio or a piece of apple, in the palm of your hand and place your hand in the cage.  Let your hamster come to your hand, and then gently scoop her up with both hands.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly