Advice for someone getting 2 fancy russian dwarf hamsters?

I am purchasing 2 fancy russian dwarf hamsters and will be getting them sometime this week. I have owned a few other hamsters a few years back so I know all the major details for owning hamsters.





I was just wondering if there was any other advice or tips that you could give me so that I can make sure my new hamsters are happy in their new home!





For background info. I'll explain more.





I am buying the 2 female hamsters from craigslist. One is solid black and the other solid white. They come with their cage [which is a tank], bedding, food bowl, food, water bottle, wheel, and 3 other balls for exploring the entire house.





What are some good and healthy treats that I should get for them? And what kind of room should I keep them in? Are there any other toys I could get them to play with?





Also, although I know on craigslist it says that both hamsters are female, how could I check to be sure? I mean, not by the obvious ways or whatever, but by appearance or by color, maybe?








I will choose best answer. : ) Thanks to anyone who could leave me great advice!|||Hi :)





The basic cage items and balls are great. Just make sure they have some chew toys and such. Make sure the room is warm, but not drafty, although in a tank that won't be as much of an issue.





To sex the hamsters, you'll need to be able to turn them over and check their vents. If the 2 vents (holes) are really close together, they're female, if they're about a centimeter apart they're males - I know, that helped, right? Here's a link with pics - the dwarfs are the pic under the Syrians ;)





http://www.hamsterific.com/HamsterUniver鈥?/a>





Ok, treats! Dwarfs are prone to diabetes so you'll want to really avoid fruit and any sweet treats like the yogurt drops. here's a nice list:





* broccoli


* carrots


* cauliflower


* cucumber


* dandelions greens


* kale


* peas


* potato (cooked)


* romaine lettuce


* spinach


* squash





Other treats:





* hay


* whole grain bread or toast


* whole wheat pasta (cooked)


* brown rice (cooked)


* whole grain cereal (no sugary cereal)


* meal worms


* crickets or


* small pieces of cooked chicken


* bit of hard boiled eggs


* nuts (no almonds; unsalted)


* unsalted peanuts


* pumpkin seeds


* lentils


* sunflower seeds


* plain air popped popcorn (no butter or salt!)





What to Avoid





* raw beans


* raw potatoes


* almonds


* citrus fruit


* garlic


* onions


* rhubarb leaves or raw rhubarb


* chocolate


* any sugary or salty foods


* any junk food





Also, keep an eye out on the girls, although dwarfs generally get along, females can become territorial. I'd ask how old they are and how long they've been together. I've had plenty of pairs in the past that did just fine, they may squeak and have little dominance fights, but if you see any bleeding or wounds, you'll need to separate them.





If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me!





Good luck with your new hammies!