We have 12, but one is going to be given away sometime.
we have a colony of 4 and 7.
depending on your situation, room and finances, I would say for me
a colony of 6 would be fine.
we have a second colony of 4 cause they are white gliders and my wife could NOT stop herself from getting them. But having ONE glider play room leaves problems with one colony smelling the other colonies scent in the playroom.