My dad is thinking about letting me get a hammie. So. I have a few questions.

~What do they usually eat?
~What kind of bedding? I've heard some certain kind is bad... cedar was it? Something like that.
~Should hamsters be together in pairs? Or alone?
~Any preference? Male or female?

Anything else would be greatly appreciated. If anyone knows of some sites that have reliable info, that would be nice too. Thanks.