Amanda

Yesterday, I was at Petsmart & was looking at the hamsters. My female died in Dec. after 3 years, due to cancer. So they had a little long haired male there. I bought him, and named him Jude. lol.
He's a mean little thing though - hates to be handled, tries to bite.

KyWildFish

I became a breeder after I purchased a male and female dwarf (thought they were both female). There is a big difference between the ones I got in the store and the ones I raised by hand. The hand raised variety will litterally climb into my hands eagerly when I put them in the tank, the store bought nip and squeak at me. It was rewarding to raise them as they are so darn cute (big tough guy saying it) when they are about the size of your thumb tip. I dont advise allowing them to breed unless you have a home for them BEFORE they breed, I have 7 now because of that.
As for nipping and being angry you can earn their trust a couple of ways. One way is to put a piece of chicken or cheese in your hand and make them come into your hand to get it. Do this enough and they will love the sight of your hand. You also need to be very slow and careful for the first few weeks as it is probably terrified at the big changes in the past few weeks and needs to be around someone calm and not aggressive. Unfortunately all this will only get you so far and you may have to take it back if they are drawing blood or refusing to calm down.

sirdarksol

As KyWild said, they will grow accustomed to you if they associate you with good things (food, water, warmth, a place to hide). I had a partial albino (caramel fur, pink eyes) that had poor eyesight. He'd have a conniption any time I got near his cage, but once I got close enough for him to smell, he'd calm down. I wore flannel shirts a lot, and he enjoyed riding in my shirt pocket.

Jupiter

This brings back memories! When I was 11, I accidently starting breeding gerbils. I thought I had picked out 2 boys. Oopps. I would take the babies to the pet store and they would buy them from me for .75 cents each.

Amanda

He doesn't try to bite now, he just doesn't want to be touched or held.
BIG difference from my sweet little female.