If you read a hobby or farm magazine lately, you’ve probably been reading a lot about Kune Kune’s (pronounced Cooney-Cooney).
So, you may be wondering, what’s all the hype about anyways?
Well, if you’ve ever been around typical meat pigs, they are usually very large, very strong and can be unpredictable and scary.
Most large breed pigs such as Durocs, are generally not animals you’d want your kids to be around and generally other small livestock isn't safe around them either. You have to have expensive strong fencing to hold traditional large meat pigs in.
They also tend to root up a yard bad and can be very destructive.

Simply put, they are not very practical for the average family homestead.

But this is where the Kune Kune comes into play as the perfect homestead pig!
 
That is why Kune Kune pigs became to popular. Because they are ideally suited for family homesteads or as family pets. They are almost the polar opposite of your typical pig.
Kune Kune’s are known for their calm demeanor and almost dog like personality.

They usually will greet you and follow you all around waiting for a belly rub.
They don’t require exceptionally strong fencing as they aren’t real big escape artists.
They are bred to have shorter upturned snouts so they are less prone to real destructive rooting and are best suited for grazing on grass pastures. They don’t grow to enormous sizes so they are much more manageable & practical for a family.

If you choose to raise your Kune’s for meat, their pork is well marbled and prized for it’s exceptional flavor. Kune Kune meat is heritage breed meat and is usually served in some of the highest end restaurants for the taste and quality of meat.

Because Kune’s are usually pasture raised, it helps make the meat much tastier.
However, you may choose to raise your Kune Kune as a pet! That is what most of our customer’s do and they make great pets! I would consider a Kune Kune to be the ideal pet pig breed. They are very docile in nature, many are known for loving a good belly rub from you.

They grow in size slowly compared to most other pig breeds.

They are the only breed pig that I personally trust my children to be around (but keep in mind with any animal you should always supervise your child closely).

Pigs are fairly easy to potty train. Pigs naturally tend to go in one corner anyways so you’ll quickly catch on to their preferred spot to go. Train similar to a puppy. Get some puppy pads and put a little scat on them. Put the pads in the corner they like to go. From there you can either choose a litter box method for them to do their business or if you have a doggie door to the backyard you may choose to let your pig out back. I will forewarn you, be very cautious about treating your grass with pesticides, especially if your pig can free roam your yard. They love to graze and you don’t want your piggie getting sick.

Pigs also make great therapy pets or therapy pigs. They are so much fun to take to schools, nursing homes and retirement homes. Most pet pigs will just want your affection making these a great therapeutic pet for adults or older children who can care for them properly. Another fun fact is piggies love music! They really do, it calms them and they enjoy listening.
 
Our Kune Kune piglets get handled from almost the day they are born and are loved on by 2 adults and 3 loving children. By the time you receive one of your pigs they have been well handled and are very used to children and are sweet in nature. There are also tons of fun and cute pig accessories out there as pet pigs have become very popular in the past few years.
You can get a harness for your pig and train them to be walked.
 
I know that you will find that Kune Kune’s are extremely fun animals to have around!

Their antics are so funny to watch, they have plenty of personality, they are so docile and just a joy to be around!