Your Pig Care & Breeding Questions Answered
🐷 General Care
What makes Kunekune pigs different from other breeds?
Kunekunes are a small, friendly, pasture-based heritage breed known for their gentle nature and ability to thrive on grass. They’re excellent grazers and often don’t require much grain once mature, making them ideal for small farms and homesteads.
How big do Kunekunes get?
Adult Kunekunes typically weigh between 200–350 lbs and stand 24–30 inches tall. They’re one of the smallest true pig breeds, making them easy to handle and manage.
Do Kunekunes root or damage pasture?
Kunekunes are naturally light grazers. They prefer grass and forbs and rarely root unless pasture quality is poor, the ground is especially wet, or they’re bored or lacking minerals. In most cases, this is a temporary behaviour that they outgrow. Additionally, they are more prone to “sod flipping” than deep rooting.
What kind of fencing do they need?
A 3–4 strand electric fence or sturdy woven wire works well. Kunekunes respect fencing if trained to electric from a young age. We use a combination of electric netting, electric strands, woven wire and/or hog panels. Kunekunes are generally very respectful of fences.
What do Kunekunes eat?
Kunekune pigs need a balanced diet to thrive. Although they can survive on quality pasture as their main diet, they should also be fed a standard pig ration. In winter or drought, supplement with hay. Always provide fresh water. Fruits and vegetables and garden overflow are great treats for kunekunes!
🏡 Health & Maintenance
How often should Kunekunes be wormed or vaccinated?
Follow a regular deworming and vaccination schedule based on your veterinarian’s recommendations. Most herds do fecal checks and vaccinate annually.
Do Kunekunes need shelter?
Yes — they need a dry, draft-free shelter year-round. In summer, they need shade and a wallow; in winter, deep bedding helps them stay warm.
How long do Kunekunes live?
With good care, Kunekunes can live 12–15 years or more.
🐽 Breeding
At what age can Kunekunes breed?
Gilts (females) may cycle as early as 5–6 months, but should not be bred until 12-18 months old. Boars are typically ready around 11-12 months.
How long is the gestation period?
About 116 days — three months, three weeks, and three days.
How many piglets do they have?
Typical litters range from 6–10 piglets, depending on genetics and management.
When do you decide which piglets are breeding quality?
Kunekune piglets change a lot between birth and weaning! We evaluate them around 7–8 weeks old before classifying as breeding, pet, or meat quality.
Can Kunekunes farrow on pasture?
Yes — they’re excellent mothers and often farrow naturally with proper shelter and bedding.
📜 Registration & Sales
Are your breeding pigs registered?
Yes — all breeding-quality Kunekunes are DNA verified and AKKPS registered, and come with a health and breeding guarantee plus ongoing support.
What’s the difference between breeding and pet-quality pigs?
Breeding-quality pigs meet conformation and genetic standards for registration. Pet-quality pigs may have minor faults but make wonderful companions and grazers.
Can I visit or choose my piglet in person?
In many cases, yes! Once piglets are weaned and classified, we help buyers select in order of deposit received. Early deposits give the best selection. We are also able to help you choose your pigs from afar via video, photos, even live Facetime calls!