[Pebbles82]

Hi there. Agree with the others. Even experienced owners don't always manage to keep a pair together. If you're new to hamsters I would go with one hamster.

Species. If it's your first hamster I'd suggest a Syrian - it's a big generalisation but they can be the easiest to handle and tame and less fast.

Of the other species there are russian dwarf hamsters (Campbells or Winter Whites but you will find that almost all of them are actually hybrids of those two species even if they look like a Campbells or look like a Winter White - unless you get a pedigree one from a breeder).

As most russian hamsters are hybrids, they can be prone to diabetes or other genetic health conditions, but likely to live just as long as Syrians. Due to them being prone to diabetes, diet needs to be factored in (ie sugar free diet).

Roborovski hamsters are the smallest and very small - and very entertaining but notoriously hard to handle or tame - more - look don't touch pets.

The detolf would be fine for any of these. But gives a lot of scope for larger syrian items (eg larger wheel, hides and tunnels etc).