Syrian hamster seems to hate my hand in her cage?

[Cathii]

Lola my new Syrian hamster is quite friendly now, but when she is in her cage and I try to touch her or pick her up she turns around onto her back and uses her paws to sort of defend herself. I am worried if I try to scoop her up that she will bite me (although she hasn't actually ever bitten me) so I am still letting her crawl into a box to get her out of her cage.
As soon as she is out of her cage, she more or less lets me pick her up fine but still doesn't like being touched (she tries to push her body down when I touch her to get away from me).
Could she just be territorial of her cage? Do you think she will bite if I do pick her up? Will this behaviour stop?

[Stockannette]

Try doing everything you're doing now but with treats - so she associates your hands with good things happening. Especially don't bring your hands toward her from above, like a bird of prey.

One thing I did with Flower that worked wonders (other than letting her come out via tube or bowl) was just open her cage door and keep my hands perfectly flat and still OUTSIDE the cage. She walked right out onto them! Whereas if I reached in, she gave me the OHHECKNO.

[GarnetsSlave]

Your hamster is simply being territorial. First, stroke and handle her out of the cage to get her used to it. When she's in the cage, show her your hand before you stroke her - she probably isn't expecting you to stroke her if she hasn't seen you. Also, make sure you wash your hands first to make sure there's no scent of food on your hands.

Hope this helped!
GarnetsSlave

[Cathii]

Thanks for the answers! Unfortunately she is in a ZZ2 which the only opening is in at the top, so it may be a little harder for me. Any suggestions?