Thinking about adding KuneKune pigs to your farm or homestead? They’re a wonderful breed, but like any livestock, they do best when you’re prepared. Here’s what we recommend having in place before your piglets come home.
Fencing
KuneKunes are less likely to root and challenge fences than many pig breeds, but they still need secure containment. A few options that work well:
- Welded wire or cattle panels (at least 3–4 feet tall) are a reliable physical barrier
- Electric fencing with 2–3 strands works well once pigs are trained to it — many KuneKune owners use a combination of electric and physical fencing
- Avoid barbed wire — it can injure pigs and isn’t an effective deterrent for them
Plan on providing at least 1/4 acre of pasture per pair of pigs, though more is always better. Rotating pastures helps keep the ground healthy and the pigs well-fed.
Shelter
KuneKunes need a dry, draft-free shelter to get out of wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. This doesn’t need to be elaborate:
- A three-sided run-in shed, large dog house, or small barn stall all work
- Provide deep straw bedding in cooler months — KuneKunes will nest in it
- In hot weather, they need shade and ideally a mud wallow or shallow water source to cool down (pigs can’t sweat)
- Allow roughly 15–20 square feet of shelter space per pig
Feeding
KuneKunes are unique among pig breeds because they’re true grazers. Good pasture can make up a significant portion of their diet, especially in growing months. Beyond grazing:
- Supplement with a quality pig feed — look for a 16% protein feed formulated for pigs (avoid feeds designed for commercial hogs being pushed to market weight)
- Hay is important when pasture is dormant — KuneKunes will eat grass hay readily
- Fresh water at all times is essential
- Avoid overfeeding — KuneKunes can become obese easily, which causes health and breeding problems
- Treats like pumpkins, apples, and other produce are fine in moderation
For detailed nutritional guidance, the AKKPS Education page is an excellent resource.
Health Care
Before bringing pigs home, find a veterinarian in your area who works with swine. Not all large-animal vets have pig experience, so it’s worth asking ahead of time.
Basic health care for KuneKunes includes:
- Deworming on a regular schedule — your vet can recommend products and frequency based on your region
- Vaccinations — discuss with your vet which are appropriate for your area
- Hoof trimming — KuneKunes may need periodic hoof trims, especially if they’re on soft ground
- Observation — knowing your pigs’ normal behavior makes it easy to spot when something is off
The AKKPS maintains educational resources on KuneKune health and care for both new and experienced owners.
Social Needs
KuneKunes are herd animals and should not be kept alone. A single pig will become stressed and unhappy. Plan on a minimum of two pigs. They’re very social and form close bonds with both their herd mates and their people.
Before You Buy — A Checklist
- Secure fencing is in place
- Shelter is ready with bedding
- Feed and water containers are set up
- You’ve identified a swine-experienced vet
- You’re getting at least two pigs
- You’ve checked your local zoning — some municipalities restrict livestock
Questions?
We’re always happy to talk through your setup and help you prepare. Contact us anytime — we want every piglet we place to thrive in their new home.