Couple Questions????

[Leahv1]

Hi, I am thinking of getting a hamster. But i want to ask couple questions.
1) Males or Females? Which one is nicer?
2) Can i feed them what i am feeding my mice? It is a mix of mice/rat/hamster food, mainly mice/rat food.
3) what kind of hamster? I have had some bad experiance with dwarfs so i want to get a different type. (sorry if i offen anyone)
4) I am about to switch my mice to dirt and i was wondering if i could put the hamster on dirt to.
5) how long do hamsters live?

Thanks to anyone who helps.
Leah

[J mouse]

1. Males (in my opinion)
2. Yes, that is what I do.
3. Syrian is a nice kind, but beware of wet-tail.
4. No, I don't think that is a good idea.
5. 3-5 years (with proper care)
I hope that helps!

[Leahv1]

4) then what kind of bedding?
I have couple more
6) What type of wheel is the best?
7) will a 10 gallon tank be ok, or do i need something bigger?
Thank-you for replying it did help.
Leah

[Cammiehammie]

4. I would use aspen, or carefresh
6. A solid wheel
7. A 10 gallon tank will work
Remember that there can only be 1 syrian per tank.
Good Luck!

[J mouse]

I agree with CammieHammie. Make sure the soild wheel is large enough for a Syrian hamster, they are quite larger than dwarfs.

[Leahv1]

Thank-you everyone. I am going to try to get a job and that way i can buy whatever i need. Is it ok to use a bin instead? i have a bin that is a little bigger then a 10 gallon tank. Could i get a big mesh wheel or just the solid kind? Are Syrian hamsters, the same as black bear hamsters and teady bear hamsters? Thanks again.
Leah