Can one Guinea Pig live happily in an indoor cage?

[wudu]

I know that they're social animals and should be in pairs at least, but has anyone got just the one piggie and is he/she happy?

I've got one, she seems happy enough but she is an old lady piggie and her cage-mate died. I am home often in the day so she gets a lot of fuss which I think helps. I'm not sure I would want one from young on his or her own.

they have to be in twosies

2s are usually far happier - but a lot depends on the pig.

I had a great character of a piggy when I was a student. She lived in an indoor cage in my room but had full run of the area. I was in a LOT of the time, ad she was stupendously well socialised to humans - she would cuddle up to me on my bed, follow me round, sit on whatever research I was doing.

That said, I have rescued lots of pigs and she was probably the only one who was ever happier alone. The herd dynamics are also great to watch! Just make sure also that your cage is big enough - pet shop ones are not, and you can build your own for a fraction of the price anyway - google cavy cages.

I have always had groups of piggies up untill now. In 11 months I have lost 4 piggies leaving me with a pair who will not accept another piggie. I have tried so hard to group the remaining 4 together with no success. I have two very moody single older ladies and a pair that once lived as a group. One single girl seems very content on her own always popcorning. The other single lady seems lonely which is why I am hunting out some neutered older boys for them both. Two are as easy to look after as one.

Thanks all

do they have to be kept in couples, or can they be same-sex for company?

I know someone who has a very nice long haired pig, it likes being picked up and snuffles and squeaks as it nestles against you, but is on its own. It has a run in the garden and trundles about, doesn't look lonely but how can you tell?