FAQ’s

KUNE PIGS 101

I just got my first piglet and he/she is x weeks old! What do I need to know?
What is with all the weird names?
Kunes are so cute! How could you eat them?
How big will my Kune get?
How do I know if my Kune has good conformation? Why should I care?

Registration/Purebred Kunekunes

How can I register my Kunekune?
Is my Kunekune purebred?
Why do I need papers/registration for my pigs?

FOOD & HOUSING

What do I feed my pig?
How much should I feed my pig?
Can Kunekunes live in my house?
What kind of shelters/farrowing areas do you use?
Can Kunes be kept with goats/sheep/cows, etc?
Can kunes live alone?
Do Kunekunes root?

HEALTH

A general disclaimer on health.
What vaccinations do I give my pig?
My pig is losing hair on its back. What does that mean?
My pig will NOT let me give it an injection, what do I do?
Does my pig need to be dewormed? How often?

BREEDING/REPRODUCTION

My Kune boar and gilt have lived together for x amount of months/years. How come they are not breeding?
How old does your Kune have to be to breed?
How do I know if mating was successful?
How long is gestation?
Should I feed my pregnant gilt/sow differently during pregnancy and lactation?
My sow rejected my piglets/I am caring for piglets under 8 weeks old, what do I do?

KUNE PIGS 101

I just got my first piglet and he/she is x weeks old! What do I need to know?

Congrats! First things first…
Is your pig at least 8 weeks old? If not read this paragraph. If your pig is younger than 8 weeks, it is probably too young to be weaned. Kunes need to stay with their moms until they are at least 8 weeks old, unless the piglet is rejected or otherwise unable to be with mom. If you are caring for a piglet under 8 weeks, you will need to give it special care and feeding. Please see more under Breeding/Reproduction.

If your pig is over 8 weeks old, read on! Hopefully, before you got your pig, you did some research. Your breeder should also serve as a mentor and be able to answer questions when you are getting started. We also have lots of resources on this site that can help you learn. But for the basics…Your pig/piglet will need a safe place to live with shelter from the elements, access to clean water, and healthy food. Food for Kunekune pigs includes a well-balanced pellet or powder, quality hay or grass, and fresh fruits/vegetables at treats. Pigs are social animals and prefer not to live alone, so if your pig has a friend it will probably be happier.

What is with all the weird names?

If new to the Kunekune breed all of the names that float around can sound confusing! Tuahuru? TeWhangi? The Kunekune’s pedigree will follow a simple pattern once you are familiar with how it’s tracked.

Each litter farrowed has a dam and a sire. Each dam and each sire will have their own line name. For instance: Dam—Wilsons Gina. Sire—TeWhangi. The piglets in each litter will inherit their line according to sex; mother to daughters and father to sons. Sows are therefore Wilsons Gina, and boars TeWhangi. By recording pedigrees in this fashion the bloodline is tracked by sex clear back to the original namesake for whom the line was named. To read more click here.

For a full list of all the boar and sow bloodlines click here.

Kunes are so cute! How could you eat them?

Kunes are cute! They are docile and friendly and easy to work with which is why we love them as a breed! However, we feel that the best way to preserve the breed is to utilize it for its main purpose as a meat animal. By choosing to retain only the best animals for breeding and utilizing other for food ensures that the highest quality animals will continue to reproduce. Plus, Kunekune pork is a wonderful, highly marketable niche meat product that can be a revenue stream for your farm. All that said, if you keep a Kune as a farm pet, that is fine too!

How big will my Kune get?

Kunes vary in size depending on parentage and lines. Kunes are a smaller breed of pig but are NOT miniature! Some lines are known to be larger than others. Current rate of growth standards call for pigs to reach 150-225lbs by 12 months of age. Full grown pigs can reach as much as 300+ lbs.

How do I know if my Kune has good confOrmation? Why should I care?

It takes some time and some practice to learn about good conformation in pigs. Both registries have developed breed standards (both are very similar). You can read them at these links: AKPR AKKPS

It is important for Kunes to have good conformation so that they can live healthfully. Properly shaped noses and heads allow pigs to graze easily. Strong feet and legs allow pigs to move freely throughout the pasture. Good topline and bone structure helps sows carry piglets and boars breed without injury. Even teats allow sows to nurse all of their piglets. Conformation often changes as pigs grow, but you can learn a lot about the pigs potential confirmation from its parents and siblings.

REGISTRATION/PUREBRED KUNES

How can I register my Kunekune?

If you purchased a pig from someone else, you cannot register your pig yourself. Your pig must be registered by the breeder. It is important when searching for a pig to purchase that you clarify to breeders that you are looking for a registered pig and want papers. Upon completing the purchase your breeder should complete the registration process and you will receive the papers.

If you own a registered pig that had piglets, you can register those piglets. (Assuming BOTH sow and boar are registered). Step 1 is to complete a litter notification with either registry. Step 2 is to pull hair samples from the piglets you wish to register. You will need to send these to the lab at UC Davis for DNA verification. Once you receive this information, you can send the DNA results into the registry along with a registration application and register your pigs. All registered pigs must have some form of identification. (Tag, Tattoo, Microchip)

Info on registering with AKPR • Info on registering with AKKPS

Is my Kunekune purebred?

The only way to know for certain that your pig is purebred is to purchase a registered pig. Without that verification there is no certainty your pig is 100% Kunekune. Purchasing a registered Kunekune ensures that you will get the Kunekune qualities that we love!

Why do I need papers/registration for my pigs?

Registering / Purchasing registered pigs ensures that your pigs are 100% Kunes. It also helps maintain and preserve the breed as we can continue to track pigs for generations to come. Registered Kunes are generally more valuable than unregistered animals.

FOOD & HOUSING

What do I feed my pig?

While Kunes can thrive on quality pasture and hay, your pig will also need a good quality pig food which is specifically balanced for its age and needs. Young pigs require higher protein levels to support growth and development in addition to different minerals and vitamins that are not always found in feed for other species. If your pig is pregnant or nursing, it will require extra calcium to support fetal growth and milk production. Boars generally can get by on a maintenance diet. It is never a good idea to feed goat, chicken or cattle feed to any of your pigs. The salt content is much higher, and you will risk salt poisoning your pig. There are many feed mills that make pig feed for all stages of the pig’s life. If unsure about what to feed, talk with your breeder. They would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Pigs also enjoy occasional treats of fruits and vegetables, and can be supplemented with things like spent beer grains, whey/waste milk, and windfall produce, but be cautious in feeding snacks and never feed unhealthy food scraps (high salt, high fat, low nutritional value). If it is junk food for you it will be for your pig too!

How much should I feed my pig?

This is the biggest mystery of all! Feeding KuneKunes varies so much because of temperature, humidity and stage of production. A good rule of thumb is again to ask your breeder and then to go by the body condition of your pig. If they are getting too plump, cut the feed back a little. If you are seeing that your pig is on the thin side…add a little more. A healthy Kunekune usually needs 2-3% of its body weight in feed, daily plus free choice hay/grass. Nursing sows could require 25-50% feed increase to accommodate feeding her piglets.

Can Kunekunes live in my house?

Your Kunekune is a grazing animal and loves to search out food in their pastures. Dandelions, clover and tender grasses are all favorites. Grazing keeps them healthier, more active and gives them needed exercise. Having a KuneKune in your house can often lead to spoiled behavioral issues which are difficult to correct. Granted there are times when a pig must be brought inside: when they are sick, chilled, or need special care but a healthy KuneKune will be happier living outdoors with their own kind.

What kind of shelters/farrowing areas do you use?

Shelters can be quite simple like a calf hutch or fancy like a state-of-the-art farrowing barn with stalls, isles and running water! In any case the shelter should be designed to protect your pig from any extremes in weather. Pigs tolerate about the same temperature extremes as we do. In the winter they will need a deep layer of dry bedding to snuggle down into. In the hot summer months, shade and cool water are crucial.

Farrowing areas should offer protection from cold, wind, rain and snow. They should have crush rails and a creep area with heat lamps. Putting a rubber mat on the floor with reflective insulation underneath is a great way to redirect that heat back to the piglets and to momma. Making a heat barrel or heat box in the corner is another great way to redirect the heat toward the little ones. Farrowing in the heart of winter requires preparation and attentiveness as you know the piglets will always come on the coldest of days!

Can Kunes be kept with goats/sheep/cows, etc?

Absolutely! KuneKune’s love other animals and often will play and interact with them. If you can not have 2 pigs at least plan to have another animal companion for your pig. Always separate animals during the birthing process so that the momma has a chance to bond with her baby or babies. Most animals will eat their placenta to protect and hide their young from predators. And some mommas can become protective if other animals are around. This can go very wrong if left together.

Can kunes live alone?

Yes, but they are so much happier with a friend! Talk with your breeder and they would be happy to help you find a friend for your pig.

Do Kunekunes root?

Usually not. Kunes upturned noses and preference for eating grasses makes them far less inclined to root than other types of pigs. That said, some Kunes will root, or at least dig through soil looking for grubs or certain minerals.

HEALTH

A general disclaimer on health

In general, if you notice something off with your pig (lethargic, not eating, vomiting, etc.), we recommend you consult your veterinarian (especially in an emergency) or mentor/breeder right away. Going online or looking to social media could give you numerous unreliable answers. It is a good idea to establish a relationship with a veterinarian PRIOR to an emergency so that the vet will know you and your animals and have a good idea of what is ‘normal’. For more on establishing a Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship (VCPR) click here.

What vaccinations do I give my pig?

This will depend on your specific area and what health threats your pig might encounter in their lifetime. Many Kunekune owners don't give any vaccinations to their pigs, however it is best to speak to one of your local large animal/farm veterinarians, and the breeder from whom you purchased your pigs to see what they recommend for your area.

My pig is losing hair on its back. What does that mean?

This could mean any manner of things. Your pig could be shedding its coat (a normal thing), it might have mites, a zinc deficiency, or even mange. The best first course of action here would be to completely change its bedding and consider giving a dose of wormer that will kill mites. Any further hair loss should be brought to a veterinarian's attention.

My pig will NOT let me give it an injection, what do I do?

Some stubborn pigs will require them to be restrained to administer injections. This can be done in a number of ways. You could have a large friend help you "flip" your pig for you to give an injection. This is where you forcibly put your pig on its back and physically restrain it in order to administer an injection. You could also buy or build a swine chute to restrain the pig while you inject it. There are also products such as the Slap-Shot that lets the pig move around while you give an injection. Some medications can also be given orally inserted in a treat like bread. Be sure to consult with your vet because some medication dosages may change if given orally, and may affect the animal differently.

Does my pig need to be dewormed? How often?

Most vaccination schedules call for regular deworming of your pigs. Worming medication can be administered orally or by injection, with injection being more effective against things like skin mites. To determine a schedule and which type of wormer to use, it is recommend you consult your vet and consider getting a fecal analysis done. The fecal analysis will tell you how heavy your worm load is and what kinds of worms you are dealing with.

BREEDING/REPRODUCTION

My Kune boar and gilt have lived together for x amount of months/years. How come they are not breeding?

As much as you want your pigs to have companions to keep them company, it is better practice to keep your gilts/sows and boars separate from each other. A young gilt and boar sharing the same pasture and living quarters tend to become room mates and not breeding mates. If you have a pair that will not breed, here are some things to try in order to give them a ‘jump start’.

Separate the two so that they do not have fence-line contact. This might have to be for a few months if necessary. A little separation makes the heart grow fonder. When your gilt/sow is ready for breeding, allow fence-line contact by penning the boar adjacent to the female(s). Nose-to-nose contact with each other through the fence allows them to become more comfortable with each other and reduces ﬁghting between them. Fence line exposure can also cause females to begin their cycle.
Sometimes introducing the gilt/sow to the boars area gives him more conﬁdence in approaching the female.
Jealousy is a good thing. A little competition from another boar can get the ﬁre going. Have another boar (experienced is better) share a fence line with the newlyweds to bring the level of competition up a notch.
Wait until the gilt/sow is in standing heat before introducing the boar. (apply back pressure to tell if she is in estrus, if she stands still she is in standing heat and should accept the boar mounting)
Take the gilt/sow on a little joy ride, literally. An old trick is to load up the females and take a nice little drive around town or get some errands done. Unload the females right into the breeding pen. This often triggers responses in the gilts.

How old does your Kune have to be to breed?

Kunes can reach sexual maturity around 8 months of age, but that does not mean they will attempt to breed or should be bred at that age. Decisions to breed, for gilts especially, should be based on size and structure. For some gilts this might be 12-13 months and others closer to 18 months. To prevent any unwanted pregnancies, gilts and boars should be separated by 6 months of age. Boars CAN breed though fence lines. Make sure to provide adequate space and fencing to ensure only planned breedings occur. Sows are able to have up to 2 litters / year, but each sow should be evaluated for health and body condition before deciding to re-breed.

How do I know if mating was successful?

There are a few signs to look for to indicate a successful breeding has taken place. Nothing is as accurate as visually seeing the breeding occur, thus a point to be made for hand breeding, which means placing the female in standing heat together with the male, witnessing the breeding and returning the them to their separate pens. But if that is not possible you can also look for the following:

Following a completed service, a “semen plug” may appear in the vulva. Formed from ejaculate material it prevents semen from leaking out.
You may also notice a pronounced ﬂour-paste smell.
Look for hair disruption on the back of the gilt/sow, which indicates mounting has occurred
The tail of the gilt/sow will often be wet.

How long is gestation?

A kunekune sow is pregnant for an average of 116 days, 2 days more than larger breeds. You will often hear farmers say 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days

Should I feed my pregnant gilt/sow differently during pregnancy and lactation?

For the ﬁrst two-thirds of gestation embryo growth is minimal so a gilt/sow in good condition prior to breeding should be kept on maintenance ration. If it is very cold weather the female might need a little extra to help maintain condition.

During the last trimester, the fetal litter makes its greatest surge of growth and the demand on the sow’s reserves increases dramatically. These demands will continue through lactation. Increase the sows ration by 25% - 50%.

My sow rejected my piglets/I am caring for piglets under 8 weeks old, what do I do?

Caring for rejected/orphaned piglets is very difficult. It requires feeding special formula or milk every 2 hours for at least a few weeks, and keeping piglets warm, likely in your house. Feeding should be done VERY carefully as piglets can aspirate milk and quickly die from pneumonia. Pan feeding is recommended as quickly as possible. For more details on emergency care and hand rearing a piglet click here.