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.

Can KuneKune pigs eat anything?

KuneKunes can eat all vegetables including, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, and lettuce. They need less protein than other pig breeds so more of their diet can consist mostly of vegetables, grains and grass. They don’t like onion skins.

How much 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.

What can KuneKune pigs not eat?

They should not eat rotten or moldy food. Raw meat and raw eggs should never be fed to swine. Feeding raw meat to pigs can transfer diseases such as foot and mouth disease. Eating raw eggs can interfere with the biotin absorption of pigs.

How much land do KuneKune pigs need?

How much space a kune kune pig needs depends very much on your soil’s grass-growing abilities. It is generally considered that you can keep 5-6 Kunekune pigs per acre.

Do KuneKune pigs smell?

KuneKune pigs are usually very clean animals, with minimal smell and often do not affect those with pet allergies. They are generally quiet animals, but may scream if they are frightened or do not get their own way.

Do Kunekune pigs Need grain?

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. Kunes eat standard 15-17% protein pig pellets.

Do Kunekune pigs need a companion?

It is always best to keep kunes together. They are very sociable creatures and will get lonely and suffer if kept isolated. Two or more is a good number. I do not recommend keeping a single kunekune alone.

What is the best food for KuneKune pigs?

Kunekunes should be fed alfalfa hay during the winter when they are off pasture. We prefer alfalfa pellets because nothing is wasted and it is easier to feed. We purchase organic grain and pellets not only for the health of the pigs, but also for our own protection from pesticide residue in the dust.

Can Kune Kune pigs eat bread?

Kunekunes are a grass foraging pig and can handle a high fiber diet. Different foods contain diverse ratios of protein, carbohydrate, and fiber: pasture comprises about 3% protein, bread up to 9% protein but with higher carbohydrate, potatoes 0.5% protein, milk 4-5% protein.

Are alfalfa pellets good for pigs?

Alfalfa can be a valuable feed for dry sows, but less so for younger pigs. Sows have a greater capacity for fermentation in the hindgut that allows for greater fiber digestion and improved energy utilization.

Can Kunekune pigs eat 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.

Can Kunekune pigs eat corn?

Cracked Corn: Corn is an energy food for pigs; however, as KuneKune pigs are lard pigs feeding too much will increase the fat of the pigs.

How much meat do you get from a kunekune pig?

At 18 months, our pigs yield about 80 pound of meat on average. We can pick them up without a tractor, transport them in a wheelbarrow, scald them in a bathtub, and handle the smaller amounts of meat quickly and cleanly with minimal refrigeration and infrastructure, if well-planned.

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.

How fast do KuneKune pigs grow?

A kunekune can grow to be between 100 to 400 pounds (although different breeders offer differently sized pigs). It will take a couple of years for your pig to reach its full-grown size. It should be offered ample grass and not be malnourished during its growing period.

Can I keep a KuneKune as a pet?

Kunekunes are Small Domestic Pigs Kept as Pets. Kunekunes are odorless, quiet and safe for children. With this in mind, more and more people are getting them as pets. They are also a good investment for a small homestead, according to experts.

Are KuneKune pigs destructive?

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 Kune Kune pigs free range?

If you’re looking to start free-range pig farming, look no further than KuneKune pigs. They are easy on the environment and prefer grass instead of rooting up the earth. They are made to graze with a short snout, unlike other breeds making them very efficient grazing machines.

Can kunekune pigs eat cabbage?

Can kunekune pigs eat cabbage? These beautiful small pigs can definitely eat cabbage and many other vegetables. You will see them running around after the cabbage.

How do you know when a kunekune is in heat?

KuneKunes go into standing heat approximately every 21 days – you will notice that their vulvas swell slightly and sometimes you can see a slight discharge. KuneKunes are in pig for approximately 116 days instead of the traditional 114 days of the average swine.