I have 3 but like Lulu my first and second are spaced out by 9 years... so maybe it doesn't count short answer: 3 for us feel right. It does get crazy but it's also lots of fun. Never a dull moment. It's fascinating to observe so much variety in your gene pool! Our blend of personalities are so diverse too... it all fits together nicely. ETA: um, yep, to be honest it's not all a bed of roses... the noise is incredible... but it's worth it.