Regarding Number of Pigs

[5Cs_Piggies]

Recently, one of my guinea pigs, Creampuff (may she rest in heavenly peace), passed away due to a severe URI. This left only 3 guinea pigs in my herd, Cookie, Cinnamon Bun, and Coffee. My question is: Is owning an odd number of guinea pigs bad? My two breeder girls (Cookie and Cinnamon Bun) have a perpetual bond and I’ve noticed that they rarely include any others in their strange, but rich relationship with one another. They tended to leave out both Coffee and Creampuff. I have begun to worry about Coffee, as she’s now lost not one, but two partners and has resorted to nesting in the corners of the cage and slinking away with her feet tucked beneath her. Would a fourth pig restore the herd’s order and help Coffee? Thank for the advice

 

[squeaksandcarrots]

I feel that if Coffee looks lonely and if Cookie and Cinnamon Bun don't interact with her, then getting her a friend seems like a good idea Sorry for your loss btw xx

 

[Herbs&Spice]

I totally agree get a friend for coffee. So sorry to hear about your loss. xx

 

[Eriathwen]

I don't think it's such a problem in larger herds as it is in smaller ones, for example I have a herd of 7 ladies and a trio of ladies. The 7 were originally 5 but it was comprised of 2 bonded pairs and a single piggy, the single piggy was never really included so my idea was to get her a friend, where I went though has a policy of not selling singles so I came home with 2. The babies and the lonely single spent a lot of time together as they grew and eventually had the confidence to create friendships with the other 4 adults.
My current trio is very new, one a bereaved adult after losing 3 friends over the last few months, she was part of a different trio until recently which was basically her being added to an existing bonded pair, they took to her very well. And she has accepted the 2 baby sisters very well too with no signs of any singling out.

Basically all I have are odd numbered herds and for me they work well, but it really boils down to each piggies personality and experiences. If one us being ignored or pushed out then adding another friend would be nice for her, but odd numbered herds are not always a bad thing