Need tips for a nervous hamster & owner

[nowiegirl]

Hi everyone. I just got a male Syrian hamster 3 days ago. I've owned 2 dwarf hamsters in the past, and one of the two was very very friendly and docile. My new hamster, which I think is older, but not quite sure how old... (Petsmart couldn't tell me his age and he was housed alone), seemed really active, curious, and came right up to my hand when I was in the store. I've been very patient, and haven't bothered him much. I tried to get him to come to me and maybe try to hold him, but I am extremely nervous, and I think he is picking up on my nervousness, b/c he seems just as nervous.



I tried to cup him with both hands, but he kept jumping out of my hands. I'm not sure why, but all of a sudden, I'm very scared of getting bit, and I'm afraid that I won't be able to tame him. I'm even scared to pet him, as he is a bit jumpy. I probably haven't given myself much of a chance, and taming takes time, but I'm feeling a little discouraged. So far, he will take food from my fingers when offered through the cage bars. He looks at me through the cage when I talk to him by it, and doesn't run away, just sniffs and stares. Hopefully, these are good signs. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I just really want him to be happy, and not stress him out by trying to hold him when he really doesn't want to be held. Sorry this is such a long post. Can someone please give me some advice on how to ease my nervousness, along with his? If he tries to escape my hands, should I just let him back into his cage and try another time? Should I try gloves? He hasn't actually bit me yet.



I also have a couple more questions. Like I mentioned above, I've only had him for 3 days. He is in a wire cage at the moment. I'm now in the process of making a bin cage, as I feel it would suit him better. Will moving him to his new cage stress him out even more? Should I wait a while before the transition? Once he is moved to the new bin cage, should I let him be for 2-3 days again?



Lastly, about wheels. My hamster is currently using the comfort wheel (8-1/2in), and it is wobbling all over the place. I've read on several different threads that the silent spinner is a good choice. Some people mentioned how the 6-1/2 in wheel is a bit small for a larger Syrian. I know that the 12in wheel is BIG, but is that a problem? I've considered the Wodent Wheel as well, but I'm not crazy about the idea of the entrance holes. Thank you in advance.