New Hamster Owner- myself

[Alyssa-Hope]

Hello! My name's Alyssa, and I'm 11 years old. I think that I'm ready for the responsibility of a hamster, and I can pay for a hamster, bedding, food, water, toys, and shots.
I have always loved animals, and have ridden horses for a few years. But still, I would really like lots of advice on owning a new hamster.
I would like to get it from the local animal shelter, is this a good idea? I looked up housing/food needs on the internet, but am open to SUGGESTIONS.
http://petshub.com/ubb/smile.gifPlastic/metal cage?
Size?
I basically have an idea of a hamster's dietary needs, but does anyone have a balanced feeding program that really works?
I will be able to spend a while giving the hamster exercise, and playing with it. How much time is enough/too much for a hamster? I know that most are shy until they really get used to you, but I like animals like that.
I'm really excited!!!

[Ham]

It is really good that you want to know more about hamsters before getting them.

As for cages, it depends on how many you want to keep. i am using plastic cages, because, it is easier for me to wash and dry it. For matal cages, i will need to clean the metal grills which makes it hard for me, and hamsters do bite the grills when they feel like it. http://petshub.com/ubb/wink.gif

As for diet, you can buy some hamster food which has all the balanced food required.

If you haven't the time to play with them, provide them a running wheel. That would surely entertain them and also exercise too. http://petshub.com/ubb/smile.gif

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[Alyssa-Hope]

Great! I am planning to go to a store today and get supplies. So I'll remember a plastic cage, a wheel (but I'll still play with the hamster), and pre-made hamster food. Okay!
Oh, and could you just give your opinion on my "hamster plan?" http://petshub.com/ubb/smile.gif Is pine-shaving bedding okay? The hamster I plan to get will be probably around a few months old. Would it be acceptable to get it a waterbottle for rodents, instead of a water bowl? Thanks!!!! Oh, and look out for more questions in the future!

[Crazydude25]

Water bowls arent good for hamsters. A water bottle is good, and the kind for rodents.....it is a rodent, :D
and I was wondering, what kind of hamster are u gonna get???