Congrats BM! I love hammies!
First, do you know the species of your ham? The five domestic species of hamster are Syrians, Roboroski dwarf, Campbell’s Russian dwarf, Campbell’s Winter White dwarf, and Chinese. Many rescues and pet stores give different names to Syrian hamsters, such as teddy bear hamsters and panda bear hamsters, but they are all Syrians. It is very important to know what species your ham is, because different species require very different care. For example, Russian hamsters and hybrids are diabetes prone, while Syrians are prone to “wet tail.” Because there are only different species of hamsters, and not breeds, the only mix possible is Winter White/Russian, because of the similarities between these dwarf species. My guess is you have yourself a Syrian. If you post a picture, I could help you. And mostly, I just want to see a picture!

Hamsters need a cage with a minimum floorspace of 360 square inches, although this is still very small, especially for a more active hamster. The most suitable hamster cages are those not meant for hamsters. Many people use a large storage bin with holes drilled in the side for ventilation, while some use large rabbit cages with meshed sides. Hamsters can escape through gaps as small as 1cm, so it is important you use a suitable cage. Aquariums make great, nice looking cages. A 20 gallon long tank is the minimum. I use an ikea detolf glass cabinet with the shelves removed, it is a cheap, large and nice looking cage. Many hamsters like to climb, so I suggest you provide an area with climbing toys such as hammocks and ropes, if your hamster is not a chewer. Levels are great too, but do not add to the overall floorspace. If you have a larger cage, it is best to clean it only once or twice a month because cleaning a hamster’s cage too often can actually lower their immune system.

Many beddings unsafe for rabbits are unsafe for hamsters, such as pine, cedar and cat litter. The best substrate is a paper based substrate such as carefresh. Hamsters love to burrow, so you should provide around 6-8 inches of substrate in at least part of the cage. Hamsters also need a nesting material so they can make their bed, the most common nesting material on the market is called “cotton” or “fluffy” bedding which is VERY unsafe because it can get tangled around limbs and cut off circulation. It also is indigestible and can lead to fatal blockages. The best nesting material is plain unscented toilet paper, it is digestible, safe and warm.
Hamsters, being natural scavengers/forages, need a variety of foods in their diet, and should not be fed on a pellet-only diet. The best way to feed a hamster is with a seed mix, a few pellets, plus fresh vegetables. A good seed mix will have high protein, a good amount of fiber, and a small, but not too small amount of fat. I personally free Stevie on Vitacraft hamster food, which has good percentages, but some other good seed mixes include carefresh complete menu (add sunflower seeds) or Hazel Hamster (Harry Hamster in the UK). As far as pellets, Stevi gets a few Oxbow pellets daily, but some other good pellet brands are Mazuri and Science Selective. Fresh foods are important in a hamsters diet. Most hamsters should be fed veggies 1-2 times a week, unless they have been eating veggies from a very young age, and then veggies can be fed alternating days. Hamsters can eat most veggies that bunnies can eat, with the exception of tomatoes. Lettuce and other leafy greens are great, but just like bunnies they shouldn’t eat onions, garlic, etc. You can also give them other healthy foods, such as a bit of boiled or scrambled egg, a bit of plain boiled chicken or turkey (no beef or pork), a bit of mild cheddar cheese, or whole wheat bread, pasta, or rice. They also can eat yogurt, nuts, fruit (except for diabetes prone species) and oats. These things are very healthy in moderation. Hamsters can eat a lot of foods. If you are in the bird section of a pet store, mealworms and millet are a winner in our house. Mostly, the key is variety.
Toys are also very important, because hamsters are usually up at night, early morning or evening when you may not be able to play with them. A wheel is a must-have. Syrians and Chinese hamsters need a 8-12 inch wheel, while dwarves should use a 6-8 inch wheel. You do not want their back to arch. I recommend silent spinners or Wodent wheels. Most toys sold in pet stores are suitable for dwarf hamsters, but Syrians usually need rat-sized items. Hamsters have ever-growing teeth, so it is nessesary to provide a variety of chews. Dog treats and chews are great, Stevi loves the Greenies toothbrush chews. It is a good idea to take your hamster out for at least 15 minutes a day and let them out. I do not recommend you use hamster balls for any length of time, although they are perfectly fine when used in moderation. I let Stevi run around in my closed hallway.

Taming is a process that you will need to go through when you first get your hamster to bond with them. The most popular method of taming involves sitting in your bathtub with your hamster. You should feed them healthy treats, and repeat this 1-2 times a day until your hamster is comfortable with you holding and petting them. Here is a link to a video describing taming in greater detail. http://youtu.be/_qwxJLw7l24

Sorry for blubbering on, ha ha ha! I will stop here…. We need piccies of your boy!