One of the primary reasons to raise KuneKune hogs is their ease of keeping.
Food
Kune’s love to graze, so keeping them in confinement on concrete would be simply cruel. They appreciate space to snuffle and explore, and while this doesn’t have to be expansive or fancy, they should have regular access to forage during the growing season. The dirt at the Patch contains far more rocks than soil, so Patch pigs are kept in small dry-lot enclosures and let out to rotated grazing areas daily. This works well, as Kune’s also spend a
great deal of time sleeping. Just like other pigs, Kune’s need a basic range of nutrients and minerals, so a quality pig ration is a good idea.
See “What Do KuneKune Hogs Eat?” for a more detailed explanation of feeding.
Shelter
KuneKune’s are wrapped in a thick coat of fat, which makes them well suited to cold winters. For truly frigid temperatures, they need a rudimentary shelter that can be filled with straw for nesting and insulation. A Kune on its own in cold weather would be at a serious disadvantage, as they typically lie cuddled up against or even on top of each other. During the summer months, they need a shady spot to sleep in and access to plenty of water. On hot days, they will sit in the spray of a sprinkler to cool off, and a wallow or muddy spot is a true treat.
Companionship
KuneKune pigs are endlessly generous with their affection, coming over with a greeting, and grunting gratefully when scratched. They form deep bonds with each other, and sleep cuddled up, always seeking as much skin-to-skin contact as possible. Kune’s can be successfully raised as solo pigs as long as they have regular contact with kind humans or other animals with whom they can form some sort of relationship, but sharing space with other pigs is definitely preferred.
Hoof Trimming
KuneKune’s hooves grow, and if they are mainly on dirt (as opposed to concrete), they will need trimming. I have yet to meet a Kune that enjoyed hoof trimming, and I am still experimenting with ways to make trimming a less-than-nasty experience for all involved. I’ve had good luck with trimming about once a month while a pig is standing up – i.e. not immobilized or pinned to the ground by muscular assistants. Enticed with a bowl of beer-soaked grain, I can trim each hoof in succession while the pig savors its treat. If a human helper is handy to offer scratching in especially prime locations on the Kune anatomy, all the better. Kune hooves grow slowly, and trimming isn’t an issue that you will have to deal with until they are about a year old, so if you are starting with a piglet, you have plenty of time to figure out your own method for peaceful trimming.
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