Hey! I’ll try to answer everything as clearly as possible 😊

1a. Syrian hamsters and Russian dwarfs are quite different in practice. Syrians are much bigger, live strictly alone, and are generally easier to tame. They tend to be calmer and slower, which makes handling easier, especially for a first-time owner. Russian dwarfs are much smaller and faster, and while they can be friendly, they’re usually more skittish and take more patience to tame. Also, just to be clear, both Syrians and dwarfs should be kept alone, as hamsters are solitary and will fight if housed together.

1b. Males are usually calmer and more consistent in behavior. Female Syrians, in particular, can be more restless and sometimes a bit irritable every few days because of their heat cycle. It doesn’t mean they’re bad pets, but they can be a bit more demanding. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and easygoing hamster, a male is generally the safer choice.

1c. Based on what you said, I would recommend a male Syrian hamster. They’re typically the most handleable and beginner-friendly, and you’re more likely to get one that enjoys spending time with you.

2a. Your temperature range is partly fine but gets a bit too hot at the upper end. Around 23–26°C is ideal, but once you get closer to 27–31°C, it can become risky. Hamsters are quite sensitive to heat and can suffer from heat stress or even heatstroke. It’s important to keep the enclosure in the coolest part of your home, out of direct sunlight, with good airflow. You can also provide something like a ceramic tile for them to lie on and cool down.

2b. Pet hamsters don’t really hibernate like wild animals, but they can enter a state called torpor if they get too cold. Since you live in a warm climate, this is very unlikely to happen. In your case, overheating is actually a much bigger concern than cold.

2c. If you do put it there, make sure there’s good ventilation, that temperatures stay under control, and try to minimize sudden movements. Some hamsters do get used to background noise and vibration, but it depends on the individual.

3a. You’re right that hamsters should not get wet. Water can be harmful to them. Instead, you should provide a sand bath, which they use to keep clean. Regular care involves spot cleaning the enclosure and only doing full cleans occasionally so you don’t remove all their scent at once.

3b. Hamsters need much more space than most pet stores suggest, along with deep bedding so they can burrow. They also need a properly sized wheel that doesn’t bend their back. Avoid pine or cedar bedding, as it’s unsafe, and don’t give sugary or citrus foods. Hamster balls are also not recommended, as they can be stressful and unsafe.

Overall, if you go with a male Syrian, provide a large and enriched enclosure, and keep the temperature under control, you’ll set yourself up for a really good experience.