new classroom pet

Question
I just purchased a hamster for my classroom.  (a golden hamster from Petsmart) He has only been in his new home for 24 hours.  He seemed really friendly in the store. Today was the first day in class.  He seems very shy and scared.  I wanted to pick him up and show him to the class but he would have none of that.  How can I get our hamster "Mr.Fuzzypants" to warm up to everyone?  Also, how do I know if his ears and eyes etc are OK if he won't let me pick him up?  AND, I wasn't afraid that he would bite but now I don't know.  What is the best way to pick him up?

Answer
Hi Beverly,

First, try not to touch him for 2 days.  Since the hamster is in a new home, he needs time to adjust to his new environment.  I know the children will be curious, but just let them observe the hamster for now.  When you pick him up, place a treat, such as a plain Cheerio, in the palm of your hand, and place your hand at the bottom of the cage.  Wait for the hamster to approach your hand, then gently scoop him up with both hands.  Try to sit as close to the floor as possible.  (Nervous hamsters may jump, and if you're sitting on the ground, he won't have far to fall if he jumps.)  Let him run back and forth between your hands, to help release excess energy.  And, never wake him suddenly - he will bite you.  Make sure he sees your hands before you pick him up, to avoid surprising him.  If you're afraid he'll bite anyway, wear gloves the first few times you hold him.  Overall, be very patient, as it will take a while for the hamster to get used to you, and later, the children in the class.

You don't have to pick him up to check if he's healthy.  Just observe him through the cage, and check to see that his eyes are not cloudy, and that his ears are clean and that he's not scratching them frequently.

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

Kelly