You have to be very patient and careful with new hamsters, especially. Tell your sister to make sure that Aspen (love the name, by the way) is fully awake and has had a chance to move around the cage some before trying to take him out. Our Olivia, who is fairly new to our house, hasn't yet gotten used to being picked up. So I usually offer her a fist first (kindly, course ) and then slowly open my hand up. I usually have to corner her to pick her up, but once I have her in my hand, she's fine.

Our only bites have occured when we woke one up too quickly and immediately tried to pick it up...of course, they only wake up usually when we are asleep!

Good luck!

[ September 08, 2001: Message edited by: Logan ]