Frequently asked questions about KuneKune
KuneKunes are pretty new to the United States so here are some of the most common questions we get when discussing our pigs with others. As always, please consider most of this to be our opinion and do your own research before deciding if a kunekune is right for you and your farm!
What makes Kunekune different?
Kunekune are small in size, have upturned snouts which usually means less rooting, and they are extremely smart and friendly. We love their personalities! Because of their small size, they are easier to manage and do less damage. One of the largest differences between kunekune and commercial pork is that they are pasture pigs, so they can happily live on a pasture and eat grass.
How much space to they need?
That really depends on what you have. Our pigs have happily lived on an acre (4 pigs) and have done minimal damage to the pasture. They are currently on less space due to us recently moving. The more grass and pasture they have, the happier they’ll be and the less damage they tend to do to the ground.
What do they eat?
While kunekune will graze on a pasture, they still do need grain every day to complete their nutritional needs. Over the winter, or if they do not have a lot of access to pasture, they should also have hay as well.
How long do kunekune take to grow out if you’re raising for meat?
This answer can also depend on a few factors. If you’re feeding them extra feed, you can sometimes get to a good weight around 12-14 months old. However, we’ve found that 16-18 months is a better timeframe for planning to butcher our meat pigs.
How is the meat different than commercial pork?
KuneKune pigs are considered a heritage breed, so with as with other heritage breeds, kunekune are not your typical pork product. Their meat is more red, and also more marbled with fat than typical pork. Kunekune have a lot of lard, which has many purposes and can be rendered down and used in tons of different ways!
What are some things I need if I want to add kunekune to my farm?
Some things you’ll need to add kunekune to your farm are good fencing, preferably with some access to pasture, something for water, and grain and hay for feed and finally, some sort of shelter for them to get out of wind, rain and other weather. Another thing they’ll need is some sort of wallow to roll in the mud when its hot. We use the large sand boxes, or you can dig one in the ground.
Do I need to buy registered?
That really depends on what your goals are for kunekune and the needs of your farm. If you are only wanting a few to raise for meat, than no. But if you are hoping to breed kunekune, we would recommend starting with some registered pigs. Since part of the process is a DNA test, the only way to really prove a pig is full kunekune is if they are registered. Mixes will not have the same body conditions and their meat could be different along with other issues.