How to: The Care of Kunekune Pigs

An omnivore, the kunekune pig enjoys spending its day grazing on grass or pastureland. They do not pull up the grass plant's root system by rooting, unlike other pig species, but only remove the tops of the grass in a lawnmower-like fashion. They can prove beneficial at eliminating weeds in orchards and consuming rotting fruit that falls from the trees. An adult can weigh up to 120 pounds. A boar can reach 200 pounds. The kunekune pig can survive in a wide range of climates. An even-tempered animal with exceptional intelligence, it requires remarkably little maintenance to thrive.

Things You'll Need

  • Shelter
  • Straw
  • Fencing
  • Child's swimming pool
  • Commercial pot-bellied pig food
  • Alfalfa
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Erysipelas vaccination
  • Worm medication
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a shelter from the rain, mud and wind for the kunekune pig to reside within. It will be happy in a simple barn, shed or extremely large doghouse. Place straw in the pig's shelter. Exceptionally clean, the kunekune pig will not soil the interior of its house. Ensure that the pig's area has been fenced in with hog panels, netting fences or even electric fences to prevent the pig from escaping.

    • 2

      Give the kunekune pig a child's swimming pool filled with clean water to wallow in. It will pick clean water to cool itself in over a mud hole.

    • 3

      Ensure that the kunekune pig has an ample supply of fresh water every day. The Kunekune Preserve USA states that the pig can drink up to five liters of water per day. Consider using a self-filling water trough or dispenser so the pig never runs out of ample water.

    • 4

      Feed the pig a commercial pot-bellied pig food every day and allow it to graze. During the winter months, when the pig cannot graze on fresh grass, provide it with ample alfalfa to enjoy. The kunekune pig will also enjoy having fresh fruits and vegetables added to its diet as a special treat. It especially enjoys melons and bananas. The kunekune should receive a diet that contains 16 percent protein. It usually does well when fed 1 pound of commercial pig food with 1 pound of alfalfa.

    • 5

      Vaccinate the kunekune pig against erysipelas. Use the vaccination every six months. Consult a veterinarian to determine how often to worm the kunekune pig.