Need some dwarf hamster advice

[artgecko]

Hi guys,
It's been a long time since I had hamsters (I think I had some syrians when I was about 8), but my husband expressed an interest in picking up a pair of dwarf hamsters the last time we were at the pet store, so I'm entertaining the idea (this is the first time he has initialized purchasing an animal).

I have a few questions for those of you that have kept them and would appreciate any other advice you have.

1. Could we house a pair together, if purchased from the same tank (same gender and probably campbels or robos)?
2. Could a pair (or single) dwarf live in a 10gl with screen lid?
3. I know it's a long shot, but would lab block be suitable for them to eat (if not, I will purchase appropriate food)?
4. Would shredded aspen be an appropriate bedding for them?

[LaciArsenic]

Word of advice, make absolutely sure they are the same gender, which I would take them to the vet for, do not trust the pet store clerk. I made that mistake, ended up with a grand total of 27 of the little buggers (They breed quickly and tend to inbreed). As for housing them together, I didn't have any problems with housing two of the same gender...it only became an issue when there were many more of them. Lol

For your other questions, a 10 gallon tank is fine, I tended to just buy standard hamster bedding and food rather than anything specific

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[Megg]

1) I house my dwarves together, but you have to be positive that they're same gender, and I would guess that a female pair is better than a male pair (less fighting, etc.)
2) They could live in a 10 gallon, but I think 360 sq. inches of floor space is the recommended minimum. Mine are in a big sterilite tub (like we use for snakes- I made a mesh top and poked some holes, and voilà!) You can look up DIY hamster bin cages. They're easy and cheap.
3) I'm not sure about food. I buy hamster specific. I do know that dwarves are prone to diabetes, so you shouldn't feed a diet that's high in sugar- don't give them very much fruit.
4) Also couldn't tell you about the aspen. I use carefresh, and haven't smelled my hamsters at all.

There are tons of hamster forums if you wanted more info

Edit- I realize this post is old, but hopefully if anyone else has questions this will help!

[Timelugia]

Do not get a pair. Dwarf hamster's are not as bad as syrians when it comes to killing their roommates but they will be perfectly fine alone. If you do get a pair I'd say try females.
I'm not entirely sure what a lab block is, but if its intended for rats/mice it probably is not the best for hamsters.
Aspen is fine, I personally prefer carefresh but aspen will work.