Young KuneKune pig exploring the green grass.
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The Ultimate KuneKune Pig Guide | History, Price, Origin, And Uses!

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With their charming appearance and friendly demeanor, KuneKune pigs have captured the hearts of homesteaders and enthusiasts worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of KuneKune pigs, exploring their origins, characteristics, uses, and more. We’ll also reveal an epic KuneKune pig poem to help honor these adorable creatures.

KuneKune pig relaxing and lounging on the grass.

Sound good?

Then let’s get dirty. Any KuneKune pig would approve!

KuneKune Pig Overview

Young KuneKune pig exploring the green grass.

KuneKune Pigs, originating from New Zealand, are a small and delightful pig breed known for their distinctive appearance and gentle temperament. Due to their manageable size and easygoing nature, these pigs have found favor among homesteaders. Let’s take a closer look at their key traits.

KuneKune Pig Profile

OriginKuneKune pigs hail from New Zealand, the land of the Kiwi. Their name, KuneKune, means fat and round in the Maori language, aptly describing their adorable physique.
PriceAnywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on breeding stock and registration status.
LifespanKuneKune pigs live for 10 to 15 years.
WeightAdult males typically weigh between 200 to 300 pounds. Adult females are slightly smaller, weighing around 100 to 200 pounds.
TemperamentKuneKune pigs are known for their friendly and docile nature. They enjoy human interaction and are excellent companions.
AppearanceThese pigs have a unique appearance, characterized by their short legs, round bodies, and facial wrinkles.
ColorKuneKune pigs come in diverse color patterns, making them a striking complement to any farm. (Black, brown, white, ginger, and speckled.)
UsesHomesteaders raise KuneKune pigs for companionship, weed management, and pork, bacon, and lard.
KuneKune Pig Profile

There’s a lot more to learn about KuneKune pigs. Consider the following.

Read More – How To Feed Pigs Cheaply: 37 Cost-Saving Strategies For Thrifty Farmers

Origin And History

Hungry KuneKune pig foraging for a snack.

KuneKune pigs’ lineage goes back to the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. The Maori initially kept these pigs for their meat and lard. However, their friendly disposition and manageable size caught the attention of European settlers, leading to their introduction to other parts of the world.

KuneKune pigs gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century. Their arrival was enthusiastic and well-received, and they quickly became cherished pets and valuable additions to small farms.

What Are KuneKune Pig Breeds Used For?

Adorable KuneKune pig with Australian shepherd dog friend.

KuneKune pigs serve a variety of purposes.

1. Companionship

KuneKune pigs are invariably adorable. Kids love them. Their friendly and sociable nature makes them excellent farmyard or homestead companions for adults and children. They also get along well with other farm animals and rarely show aggression.

2. Weed Control

They’re not only friendly faces. KuneKune pigs can also help you maintain a tidy homestead! KuneKune pigs are adept at rooting out weeds and tilling the soil, making them valuable for land management. They can also happily help clear around pasture edges, munch in between crop rows, and clear up fallen leaves.

3. Small-Scale Meat Production

While not a primary meat breed, KuneKune meat is flavorful and enjoyed by niche farmers who raise these pigs sustainably. Their pork is famously delicious and well-marbled and works perfectly for various cuts, including roasts, sausages, and bacon. The meat has a buttery, rich, and tender texture.

Read More – Best Tasting Pig Breeds For Mouth-Watering Bacon, Pork, And Ham!

Raising The KuneKune Breed

Hungry KuneKune pigs enjoying some leftover apples.

Raising KuneKune pigs is an enjoyable experience. And while they are easy to raise, they also have a few quirks. Here are more details about their temperament, personality, care requirements, and appearance.

Temperament

KuneKune pigs, known for their gentle and calm demeanor, are a delight to be around. These little pigs thrive on human interaction and eagerly seek out attention from their caregivers. Whether it’s a gentle scratch behind the ears or a friendly chat, KuneKune pigs revel in the companionship of their human friends. Their affectionate and friendly nature makes them an ideal choice for families, especially those with children.

Food And Water

KuneKunes are natural grazers and foragers. They thrive when given access to good-quality pasture grass. The lush greenery provides essential nutrients and keeps them engaged.

While grass is their primary diet, it’s beneficial to supplement it with other foods. Consider offering fruits, vegetables, and grains. During colder months, increase the feed amount for the energy needed to stay warm.

Clean and fresh water is crucial for KuneKunes. They rely on it for hydration, temperature regulation, and overall well-being. Especially during warm weather, KuneKunes enjoy wallowing in mud or water. It helps them cool down and prevents overheating. Want happy, healthy KuneKune pigs? Then, ensure they have access to a suitable wallowing area.

Read More – 60+ Funny Pig Names That’ll Truly Have You in Stitches.s.

Appearance

Two adorable KuneKune pigs in a rural barn.

KuneKune pigs are known for their distinctive features. Their short legs and round bodies give them an adorable, compact build. Wrinkled faces and tufted ears add to their charm. These pigs come in a delightful array of coat colors and patterns, making each individual a unique work of art on the farm.

KuneKune Pig Colors

Small KuneKune pig herd in front of a rural red barn.

KuneKune pigs exhibit a delightful array of hues. Here are some of the captivating colors you might encounter.

1. Ginger

The ginger-colored KuneKunes exude a cozy, rustic vibe as they forage in sun-dappled pastures. These pigs sport warm, reddish-brown coats reminiscent of autumn leaves.

2. Black

Imagine sleek, ebony-coated pigs trotting gracefully through the grass. Black KuneKunes are striking and elegant, their dark color contrasting beautifully with the green surroundings.

3. Brown

The earthy tones of brown KuneKunes evoke a sense of groundedness. Their coats vary from light tan to rich chocolate, mirroring the fertile soil they explore.

4. White

White KuneKunes stand out like fluffy clouds against the landscape. Their snowy coats make them appear angelic and often symbolize innocence and purity.

5. Multi-Colored (Speckled)

Beyond their base colors, KuneKune pigs boast an artistic twist: intricate coat patterns. Some have spots, stripes, or swirls that resemble abstract paintings. Each KuneKune pig becomes a living canvas, showcasing nature’s creativity.

KuneKune pigs are not only adorable but also versatile and delightful companions for those seeking a special addition to their homestead. Whether drawn to their ginger warmth, black elegance, earthy brown tones, or snowy white purity, these pigs bring joy and character to any farm. 🐷🌿

Read More – Why Do Pigs Always Wag Their Tails? (And How To Tell When Your Pig Is Happy!)

Our Ballad To KuneKune Pigs

KuneKune pig and her piglets relaxing in a grassy meadow.

KuneKune, how you stand apart, with your round face and a gentle heart. Your snout appears adorned with silky whiskers. You’re the special ones, the homestead’s elixirs.

When twilight paints the sky in hues divine, a KuneKune pig waddles, their bellies round and fine. Their coats are a patchwork quilt of ginger and cream. They’re as unique as sunsets, a living, breathing dream.

In the orchard, they root and explore. These tiny truffle hunters are never a bore. Like dark marbles, their eyes twinkle with glee. They are adorable curiosities, as curious as can be.

For small homesteads, they’re a perfect fit—not too big, not too small—just right, every bit. They graze on grass and nibble on clover, and their oinks and grunts are a symphony world over.

So raise a toast to KuneKune’s grace. Their presence is a blessing in this tranquil space. May their snuggles warm our hearts anew. KuneKune, forevermore, we cherish you.

The ultimate KuneKune pig guide.

Read More – Raising Pigs for Profit – Will It Break the Bank or Your Heart?

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our KuneKune pig guide! These delightful pigs are a joy to raise. So, we’re trying our best to spread the word about them.

What about you?

  • Are you going to raise a KuneKune pig this year?
  • Have you ever seen a KuneKune pig in real life?
  • Would you raise a KuneKune pig for companionship? Or would you also eat their yummy pork?
  • Will you raise your KuneKune pig alone, or will you raise it with other animals? (They get along well with Toppenburg goats!)
  • Do you agree with us that KuneKune also makes superb exhibition animals?

We hope to hear from you!

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!

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6 Comments

  1. I note the photos, it appears that these pigs are pretty small, however in 1 photo it shows that these are babies….would be nice to see how large they get. The impression is that these are very small pigs, however, 100-200# is not very small….
    What is the weight comparison to other pig breeds?

    1. Hey Carol!

      Excellent question.

      I’ve been researching various pig weights. KuneKunes aren’t the smallest. But they’re nowhere near the biggest!

      Consider the following!

      Pot-Bellied Pigs – These little cuties typically weigh between 70 and 150 pounds. They’re like the pocket-sized piglets of the swine world!

      KuneKune Pigs – Ah, the adorable KuneKunes! These delightful piggies fall in the range of 150 to 250ish pounds. Not too shabby. They’re like the Goldilocks of pig sizes—just right!

      Landrace Pigs – They strut their stuff at the scale. A fully-grown Landrace can tip the scales anywhere between 500 to 700 pounds! That’s like having two or three heavyweight champions in your barn.

      Duroc Pigs – Hold onto your hat! Durocs can tip the scales at around 800 pounds. That’s some serious pork power! 🐽

      Large White Yorkshires – Brace yourself! These majestic hogs can easily surpass 800 pounds. They’re the true heavy hitters of the Piggy universe! 🏆

      So, whether you’re into petite porkers or colossal swine, there’s a pig breed for everyone. Keep those curly tails wagging! 🌟

  2. Are these the same as “pot-bellied” pigs? I hear they can get REALLY large if fed too much…
    Like Druid Jo, I can’t do such a large animal…
    Even looking at some of the mini breeds of cattle.

    1. Hey Carol!

      Both KuneKune and pot-bellied pigs are adorable domestic pigs. They are also different! The most significant difference is that KuneKunes are from New Zealand, and their hair is wilder!

      KuneKune males are usually around 250 pounds. Females are generally around 150 and up to 200 pounds. So, they are smaller than your average farmyard pig.

      (Some farm pigs can exceed 1,000 pounds easily. Check out the Large White Yorkshire, Landrace, and Duroc for some heavy hitters! I plan to write about those sometime this year.)

      Pot-bellied pigs are more miniature. Pot-bellied pigs usually weigh around 150 pounds.

      Our final verdict? KuneKunes are still adorable, even if slightly more heavy than anticipated. If you’re looking for a more social and friendly pig, KuneKune pigs might be the way to go. However, a pot-bellied pig could be better if you want a mini version!

      Also – it’s essential to note that even so-called “mini” pigs can grow larger than expected! Proper care, diet, and exercise are crucial to managing their size. But if they fall in love with food (lol), then look out!

      Thanks again for an excellent question!

      Cordially,

      Mike D

  3. I have been around full size hogs, and do not want to mess with an animal that large. I have often considered pigs, and the Kune-Kune is one of the top 2 I have looked at. The other being the Guinea, and honestly, the Juliana is adorable also. I think the problem we have had most on this homestead, however, is that I like to choose cute food and then we end up with more pets than we need, or can even afford. Fortunately, the Kune-Kune is also a good seller in my area.

    1. Hey Druid Jo!

      Thank you for writing to us!

      Hearing your perspective on KuneKune pigs and other pig breeds is wonderful. 🐷

      I agree with you! Full-size hogs can be imposing. Luckily, KuneKune pigs are dainty (somewhat, lol) and delightful creatures. Their compact size makes them an appealing choice. (If they are a good seller in your area, that’s also a bonus.)

      The Guinea Pig and Juliana Pig are equally charming options!

      Wishing you all the best on your homestead journey, and may your KuneKune adventures be filled with joy and success! 🌿🐖

      Cordially,

      Mike D

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