Getting a hamster that is happy and healthy is important.  I personally recommend getting your hamster from someone you know, like from a family member or friend.  These hamsters are usually friendlier since they get handled more than hamsters in pet stores.  I have had two hamsters that I have gotten from friends whose hamsters had babies, and they were friendly and liked being handled.  A hamster that I have bought at a pet store was a bit nervous and would jump out of my hand.  But the hamster I have now I got from a store and he is pretty calm.

If you do buy a hamster at a pet store, choose a hamster that has

• Sleek, clean fur
  
• bright clear eyes
  
• friendly
  
• No bare patches
  
• Clean ears