Starting over again

[Veer]

Recently i lost Ukkie, an a couple months ago i already lost Hammie, both to old age. now i am without a hamster and i miss it.

I decided to go for a new hamster, for now i wait and see what the government will decide about the Russian dwarf hamster, before i decide on a Russian or Chinese.

I already have a tank style cage 100x40x40cm

I need some ideas on:
- wheels
Is there a different in size for a Russian or Chinese?
I did use a bucatstate plastic wheel before because of wheel peeling, but Ukkie was thrown out the wheel very often. Is a getzoo cork wheel better (maybe also better for the nails,bot had long nails i needed to clip)?and what size?

-bedding:
I have used aspen before,but did not find it suitable for tunneling (both my hamsters did not dig or tunnel at all)
Kaytee clean and cosy is very nice, but i don't know if it will hold tunnels, because my hamsters did not dig.
What would be the best bedding for tunneling?

- food:
I have fed Bunny dwarf hamster expert. Is this also good for a Chinese, or are there better options available?

 

[Maz]

Wheels

9" wheels are good for both russian dwarf and chinese hamsters, but Getzoo do have a very good plastic 10" open wheel with cork lining. I've used it before and it's perfect for dwarf hamsters. If you're worried about them being thrown though, the 9" silent runner is a good option for an enclosed wheel for either species.

Bedding

Paper bedding is good for holding tunnels - something like Kaytee clean and cosy. Wood shavings packed tightly can be but it depends if you can find any suitable ones - most are pine based.

Food

Chinese are also diabetes prone species so the diet would be similar to russian dwarfs I think - @Daisy has had chinese hamsters and is our food guru so maybe see if she knows a bit more

 

[Veer]

thank you!
I have had a male and a female russian before, not sure if i should choose a male or female hamster next time.
do you think there is any difference in health (problems) or tameness between male/female?

 

[Maz]

I forgot to link that Getzoo wheel I mentioned I used it with a Russian dwarf and I think it's a great wheel for them. It comes in beige, pink or green. The stand is wood and height adjustable and the wheel itself is apparently food grade plastic with a cork running track (which is replaceable). It would be a good size for a chinese as well. I've even used it for a younger syrian - which was ok but the track is not quite deep enough for a Syrian - it's intended as a dwarf wheel really.

Getzoo Ø 27 cm plastic balance wheel with wooden base (sand beige) and cork inlay | plastic balance wheels | balance wheels

Getzoo Ø 27 cm plastic balance bike with wooden base (sand beige) and cork inlay | Plastic balance bikes | Balance bikes: Safe and species-appropriate balance bike accessories: With our new plastic balance bike, we are focussing on nature and aesthetics,

www.getzoo.de

I'm not really sure if there's a difference between male and female dwarf hamsters exactly - as with all hamsters, their personalities vary - but female dwarf hamsters can be known for being very active.