i just got a hamster

Question
Hi i just got a hamster today from my friend who just bought
him yesterday (i think its syrian he has a gold colored fur with a
lil black fur also) and I just had a few questions.

1. I'm not sure if she tramatized him or anything. When i first
saw him she chased her hand after him to pick him up then held
him till he started squirming a lot.  will this possibly tramatize a
hamster?

2. How will i know when my hamster's accustomed to my
presence so i can start feeding him from my hand. will his
behavior change in a noticeable way. and how so?

3. It turns out my friend put pine bedding and i've heard its
dangerous.  should i guy buy new bedding right away or just use
the pine until the bag is finished and then never use the pine
bedding again?

4. What foods do hamsters usually like (besides whats in the
bag? like if i cut up vegetablees or fruits or something)

5.  What are some common behavior of hamsters and what do
they mean. (like how will they act if they're fearful or curious etc.
etc.)?

Thanks :)

Answer
Hi Steve,

I'll go in order for you.

1. Handling a hamster this way probably won't traumatize him, but it is a surefire way to make sure the hamster won't like being handled.  To pick up a hamster, make sure he can see your hands, then gently scoop him up with both hands.  (If it's a new hamster, place a treat, such as a plain Cheerio, in the palm of your hand, and place your hand palm up at the bottom of the hamster's cage.  Wait until the hamster climbs onto your hand to scoop him up.)  Take care not to squeeze the hamster when you're handlin him.  If he's squirmy, let him run from one hand to the other to help him burn off some energy.  Also, sit on the floor while you're holding him.  Hamsters can be jumpy with a new owner, and if he jumps, he won't have far to fall.

2. It will take time for your hamster to be comfortable with you.  With a new hamster, don't touch him for 48 hours.  This 2-day period will allow your hamster to get accustomed to his new surroundings.  When you start handling him, follow the guidelines I stated in number 1.  Also, if he's asleep and you want to handle him, don't wake him suddenly.  Gently rub his back until he wakes up.  Then, let him use the bathroom or get food and water if he wants.
   You'll know your hamster is comfortable with you when he runs to you, not from you :)  He won't be anxious to get out of your hand, and he won't bite you.  Also, he won't run from your hand when you place it in the cage.

3. Yes, you should go ahead and take out the pine bedding, then clean the cage thoroughly with hot water and hand soap.  (Dish detergent has a strong smell which can be uncomfortable for your hamster.)  Then, put a generous amount of Aspen or Carefresh bedding in the cage.  (Avoid Cedar, which, like Pine, contains strong aromatic oils which can cause respiratory infections in small animals.)

4. Hamsters can eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.  Begin by feeding your hamster a small amount of fruit or vegetable 2-3 times a week.  After a few weeks, then you can give your hamster a small piece every day.  (Slowly introducing your hamster to fruits and vegetables helps to prevent gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea.)  Here's a link to a list of safe fruits and vegetables for your hamster:

http://www.petwebsite.com/fruit.htm

5. When a hamster is fearful, he will hide in an enclosed area of his cage, or a corner.  His ears will lay back, and his head and body will be low to the ground.  You may see the whites of his eyes.
When a hamster is curious, his eyes will be bright and wide open.  He will strain his nose toward whatever holds his curiosity, and he'll sniff the air.

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

Kelly