Feeding your Kunekune Pig
- Grain. Kunekunes can fatten on pasture grazing alone. ...
- Feeding Growing Piglets. Piglets start eating grain as early as 1 week old, they follow their mom out and will mouth the grain.
- Water. Pigs do not have the ability to sweat, so it is very important to provide them with a pool or mud wallow.
- Supplements. ...
- Kunes thrive on a diet of grass, fresh fruit and vegetables. ...
- Scraps of waste human food must never be fed to pet pigs. ...
- As Kunes thrive on grass it is very important that they have enough grazing for most of the year. ...
- If you have a stable Kunes will do very well with a thick straw bed in the corner of it.
What fruits can Kune Kune pigs eat?
Kune Kune pigs will eat all kinds of fruit including strawberries, banana peels, apples and peels, oranges, berries, apricots, peaches, and pears. Fruit should not make up the majority of their diet but should also include grains and grasses. I have noticed that Kune Kunes don’t like citrus peels.
What do you feed your kunekunes?
We feed the kunekunes all the rotten ones and all the peels. They will eat them but they don’t prefer them. They do like clementine peels probably because they aren’t as bitter. Growing up we would supplement our pig feed with fruit that fell to the ground and spoiled from our fruit trees.
Can kunekunes eat Pot-bellied pig food?
A complete feed from Pot-Bellied Pig Food is balanced enough for the daily feed of your Kunes. This ensures your pigs are getting all the essential vitamins and minerals. Kunekunes are a grass foraging pig and can handle a high fiber diet. Adult Kunekunes can maintain body condition on a good quality pasture.
Is a Kunekune a good breed of pig to raise?
Kunekune pigs are generally smaller than many other kinds of pigs. This means that they require smaller pens and shelters than some other breeds. If you want to raise a little meat for your family, but you don’t eat tons of pork, Kunekune might be the perfect choice. Additionally, smaller families might find the Kunekune to be a great fit.
Do Kunekune pigs Need grain?
FOOD. Kunekunes require 1/7 to 1/4 the amount of grain of standard pigs, but they do still need some grain in combination with their grazing to make sure their diet is complete. This is especially true of young (birth through one year), pregnant, and lactating pigs.
Can Kunekune pigs eat hay?
Your core diet for your Kunekune pig should consist of a complete balanced feed, high quality hay, pasture/produce/alfalfa pellets or cubes, fodder, etc.
Can Kunekune pigs eat corn?
In the spring, summer and fall they will eat lots of fresh grass or pasture and during the winter time they can eat grass hay or grain . We like to feed a mix of corn/soy with sunflower seed and 4% animal fat. It was surprising when we first got our KuneKunes to see how much grass they eat.
Are Kunekune pigs hard to raise?
Disposition. Kunekune pigs are some of the friendliest, most mild-mannered pigs you can raise. Of course, this ultimately comes down to the personality of the individual pig. Some hogs are just naturally more ill-mannered than others, just as you might find with people.
How much grain should I feed my Kunekune?
How much feed does a Kunekune pig need? Kunekunes should be provided with approximately 1-2% of their body weight in pelleted feed alongside free access to grass or hay. The feed should be split into two feeds a day and could be provided in a trough or scattered in their paddock.
Can Kunekune pigs eat sweet feed?
We feed pellets twice a day. I usually mix some soaked beet pulp with some sow/pig pellets and a little scratch and sweet feed. They love it.
What can you not feed a Kune Kune pig?
Salt can be toxic to pigs since they do not have sweat glands. Most plants in your garden can be fed except unripened tomatoes, raw potatoes, raw sweet potatoes (sweet potatoes are fine but they absorb more protein when cooked), parsnips, celery, celery root, parsley, onions, avocado pits,, and rhubarb.
Can KuneKune pigs eat only grass?
They will still eat grass, but they won't thrive on it. The only way you can have a herd that thrives on grass is to basically breed them for it on your own farm.
Can KuneKune pigs eat raw potatoes?
Pigs can eat potatoes and can use it as a good source of energy. However, potatoes fed to pigs would either have to be cooked or dried. Otherwise, it can potentially cause some stomach issues.
Do KuneKune pigs need a companion?
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.
Are KuneKune pigs worth it?
0:172:09Keeping Kunekune pigs for meat - is it worth it? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey do make amazing bacon. And they make amazing ham. The fat on them because they've been grass-MoreThey do make amazing bacon. And they make amazing ham. The fat on them because they've been grass-fed is really tasty. And we did get quite a bit of extra fat that we could turn into lard.
Are KuneKune pigs destructive?
They were way too big to manage without help. They looked at fencing as a personal challenge. They were extremely destructive to our land. The feed bill felt like a new monthly payment, and it was impossible to keep their feed clean (which made the idea of eating them “hard to swallow.”) And then there was the smell.
Can Kunekune pigs eat timothy hay?
2:287:13Getting our Kunekune to eat hay. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSeems to be really good for them they do great on it they seem to get all the nutrients that theyMoreSeems to be really good for them they do great on it they seem to get all the nutrients that they need out of out of it since they are you know a true pasture pig.
What should a pig not eat?
It's ok to feed pigs uncontaminated fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, dairy, eggs, and vegetable oils. Do not feed pigs meat, fish, or their bones, oils, or juices, or ANY food that has touched these substances. All food scraps can be composted.
Do Kunekune pigs root up ground?
Part of what makes kunes uniquely excellent on pasture is that their shorter upturned noses are perfectly angled for grazing but not for rooting up the soil like pretty much all other pigs do.
Can Kunekune pigs eat raw potatoes?
Pigs can eat potatoes and can use it as a good source of energy. However, potatoes fed to pigs would either have to be cooked or dried. Otherwise, it can potentially cause some stomach issues.
What do kunekune pigs eat?
Kunekune pigs do very well on a diet of grass, fresh fruit, and vegetables. They are different from commercial pigs in that they do not need high levels of protein. Kunes need around 16% protein, and in comparison, it is quite less. The fiber requirement is also much more than commercial pigs. Kunekune pigs do well on grass ...
What are the feeding rules for a Kunekune pig?
But first, some feeding rules to live by…. 1. Kunekune pigs are not ruminants but omnivores. 2. Your growing pig needs more food and nutrition than adult Kunes. 3. Your growing pig’s body condition in its first year of life should be round but not too chubby. 4.
What do kunekunes need?
This ensures your pigs are getting all the essential vitamins and minerals. Kunekunes are a grass foraging pig ...
How much should a 4 month old pig eat?
Youngsters up to 4 months old get should be fed up to a 12-ounce scoop of food per day. Observe your pig from starting point and adjust the diet as per their growth. A 4-8-month-old Kunes might eat 1.5-2 scoops. I’d say that adults eat around 1-1.5 scoops per day when in optimal condition.
How much water should a pig drink a day?
Pigs must be fed twice a day when needing to be supplemented, and have easy access to clean drinking water. Adult sows can drink up to 5-litres of water a day during lactation, predominantly during hot weather.
Can you use kitchen waste on pigs?
This means any kitchen leftovers, such as fruit and vegetable peels or pet food, cannot be provided to your pigs.
Is a Kunekune pig overweight?
They are not overweight, nor are they structurally strained. Kunekune pigs vary in size and growth rates and there are no guarantees that a piglet out of fast-growing parents will also have fast growth. But there’s an increased likelihood, especially if properly and amply fed.
How to help a pig with fat blindness?
If your pig is getting fat blindness, make sure you are feeding a quality feed. Do not feed kunekune's "All Stock" or any type of feed that is for other animals. Our veterinarian said the #1 reason she see's health issues in livestock is from "All Stock" feed. Then if you are feeding a good quality grain, cut back on treats and fruit. Still feed veggies and they can get hay and graze. If you are still having issues, take your pig to a veterinarian to make sure nothing else is going on.
When do piglets start eating?
Piglets start eating grain as early as 1 week old, they follow their mom out and will mouth the grain. By 3 to 4 weeks old they are fighting their mom for food. When they are weaned at 8 weeks they are getting 1/2 cup twice a day and fresh fruit and veggies. These are rough estimates for growing piglets. All piglets will grow at different rates and food needs to be adjusted accordingly.
Can kunekunes fatten?
Kunekunes can fatten on pasture grazing alone. If you do supplement with grain make sure it is 16% or lower in protein. I used the feed store's brand "Bryant" 14% Hog Finisher twice a day. I have recently switched to Purina's Pig & Sow from Tractor Supply. It is a 16% feed and I've noticed it helps reduce the tear discharge from their eyes. Depending on the size of the pig and how much pasture they are getting I adjust the amount.
How much protein do kune pigs need?
Kunes need a maximum of 16%. protein, and by preference a little less. They also need much more fibre than commercial. pigs. Kunekune pigs live on grass and vegetables in summer, in autumn this can. be supplemented with apples.
What do Kunekune eat?
KuneKune means “fat and round” and our KuneKunes eat not only Blue Seal Pig and Sow and Hydroponic Barley but, lots of fruits and veggies as well.
When do we rotate pigs?
We rotate our pigs through nine pastures, moving them every time we rotate our goats during the Spring and Summer. Depending on the quality and quantity of pasture available you may need to supplement. We supplement our pigs with soy meal mostly in the Winter.
Do piglets need grain?
While your piglets or younger pigs are developing it is essential that they are provided with grain to develop and mature correctly. My husband said it best when he said, “if you do not feed your KuneKune correctly, God will provide for it”. I totally get what he is saying.
What can Kunekunes eat?
KuneKunes can eat all vegetables including, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Why do pigs slop the hogs?
If you have ever heard the phrase “slop the hogs” its because pigs love eating leftovers and food scraps. There are only a few things that I will never feed my KuneKunes and things I have noticed that they don’t like. So lets discuss what KuneKunes can and should not eat. Kune Kunes are omnivores meaning like people their diet can consist ...
Do kune pigs eat grass?
The best part is since they have upturned noses they won’t root up your lawn or pasture. A majority of KuneKunes diet is made up of grass and fresh greens.
Can Kune eat bread?
Kune Kunes can eat all bread products and other grains. Bread has great nutrition for Kune Kunes. Instead of throwing out moldy bread or bread scraps feed them to your Kune Kunes. As much as I hate throwing out bread it is good to know that our Kune Kunes will thoroughly enjoy it.
Kunekune Pigs
In addition to helping with pasture management, Kunekune pigs are popular in non-farming circles as pets. These pigs have oodles of personality. They are friendly, calm, and curious. They are very smart and always want to see what the humans are up to.
Qualities of Kunekune Pork
Kunekune pork is drastically different from the pork that you find in stores. The meat is dark red and richly marbled, leading to moist and tender meat. Many times the chops and pork steaks resemble beef more than pork. The meat has a sweet flavor due to the grass based diet of the Kunekune.
Raising Kunekune Hogs for Pork
Because Kunekune pigs are such great grazers, they are a great choice for homestead pigs. While many breeders do give their young pigs a bit of grain during their growing years, it is a relatively small amount, like 2 cups per day per pig.
Are Kune Kune Pigs Right for You?
Some things to consider before raising Kunekune pigs and other pigs — and any livestock for meat — are:
Housing and Fencing Kunekune Pigs
Kunekune pigs need about a quarter acre of pasture per adult pig. This means that you can have four or five pigs per acre. Rotating pastures will keep the pigs from overgrazing the fields. The pigs will be more likely to root and test fences if their fields are overgrazed. Foraging keeps the pigs happy and intellectually stimulated.
Breeding Kunekune Pigs
Usually around the age of 8 months, Kunekune boars reach sexual maturity. However, they will not be fully fertile until they are a year old. A Kunekune gilt may begin cycling around six months old. However, they do not need to breed until they are 10 months old.
Characteristics to Consider When Breeding
There are certain characteristics to consider. The ideal breeding gilt has the following attributes:
