I usually make some noise and talk to them when I first open up the cage so they wake up. Then I just pet them a little on the back....(not by the head). Then pick him up slowly.....I usually rest them on my chest at first or I put a big blanket down and lay on the floor with them. Putting them right by my side.

Don't be worried about the biting......you will be fine!!! When they are getting ready to they usually form kind of an S and lift up their necks. My Butter does this all the time. It is like a battle of the wills.....I just laugh and pick her up....she has never bitten me. She is ALL talk...so to speak.