New dwarf hamsters

Question
Hey its me again i just got home and have introduced my new dwarf hamsters to their new home. They seem to love the tubes that connect the rotastak compartments together. They are having trouble finding a bed and have taken to the wheel as their new bed? I went to the shop and asked if the dwarf hamsters are put into female and male grouping. They guy said no its impossible and he also said that because of this most people like to stick with normal hamsters as they don't want  to wake up to a colony of dwarf hamsters in the morning lol. After about 20mins of trying to get two female hamster we gave up as i wanted scovskie or something hamsters which are said to be mega fast and agile. I just picked out two i thought were cute and went home. I also cant think of names for them so in the mean time I'm going to call them the bongo brothers until i find out what sex they are and i can tell the difference between the two. I was wondering if i have a male and female will they mate for sure or might one of them think i don't want to? which would have to be the male I'm guessing? And whats the range of babys in a litter?

Thanks
Paul

Answer
Hey Paul,
Sounds like the guy at the pet store doesn't really know what he's talking about.  It's a little harder to tell males from females in dwarfs but it can still be done and they should never be kept together in a store as it encourages inbreeding.  The males will have a longer space between the anus and genitals and will develop rather noticable testicles.  The females have a very short distance and it may not even be noticable.  They will develop lines of nipples as well but you may have to use a q-tip to move the fur out of the way.  I wouldn't keep a male and female together unless you want lots of babies and plan on finding good homes for them.  They have between 4-7 babies after only 21 days and can mate again 24 hours after giving birth.  If you have a male and female they will normally mate so be prepared :)

Hope this helps,
Lauren