Should You Keep a Kunekune Pig as a Pet?

Kunekune pigs may not be as popular as pot-bellied pigs, but more and more people are getting them for pets. Like the pot-bellied pig, Kunekune are small domestic pigs—but unlike pot-bellies, they have long hair and are originally from New Zealand. Kunekune pigs are special because they are the only grazing pig. Unlike other pigs, they don’t churn up the land.

Pronounced “koo-nee koo-nee,” (which translates to “fat and round”), these pigs have very similar care requirements to pet pot-bellied pigs. Some may argue they’re even easier to care for than their less hairy relatives. They’re sweet-natured, smart, and docile and come in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, gold, brown, and tricolored.

Can You Own a Pet Kunekune Pig?

Owning a Kunekune pig is possible, but it’s essential to consider the legal and ethical responsibilities involved. Here are some points to ponder regarding owning these pigs.

Legality

Like pot-bellied pigs, owning a Kunekune pig as a pet is legal in many areas. However, some places classify them as livestock, requiring specific enclosures and permits. Other locations permit pigs as pets up to a certain size, provided they are leashed or kept in an outdoor enclosure. It’s crucial to understand your state and local laws before acquiring a Kunekune pig.

Ethics

Owning any pet ethically involves ensuring that you can provide for its needs. For Kunekune pigs, this includes ample space, appropriate veterinary care, companionship, and mental stimulation. Providing these essentials can justify ethically owning a Kunekune pig.

Things to Consider

Kunekune pigs vary in size and can grow quite large, sometimes reaching up to 200 pounds. Prospective owners should consider the space needs of a pig that may not remain the tiny piglet they initially adopt.

Miniature Kunekune pigs are defined by height. Always verify with the breeder, asking for proof of their size claims. Request several references from previous buyers and inquire about the pigs’ weight and height. Research thoroughly to ensure you’re prepared for a pet of this size.

Kunekune Pig Behavior and Temperament

Kunekune pigs are notably docile and sweet, making them excellent pets for first-time pig owners. They flourish with human interaction, including with children, and enjoy spending time with their owners for relaxation and play.

Kunekune pigs are intelligent and quickly learn training routines. However, their high intelligence necessitates ample activities and social interactions to prevent boredom and potential destructiveness.

All pigs naturally root for food with their snouts, which may lead to knocking over home items or damaging your yard. To redirect this behavior, consider using treat puzzles or designate a part of your yard for rooting.

It’s advisable to adopt your pig from a young age, allowing ample time to bond and establish trust. Frequent and gentle handling helps them acclimate to life as a pet and enhances the likelihood of a cuddly companion.

Housing

For indoor housing, ensure your Kunekune pig has a dedicated space. Some people construct small indoor pens, or provide a toddler bed or tent for sleeping. They enjoy moving indoors and outdoors, so ensure easy access to outside areas. Given their potential size of up to 200 pounds, ample space for roaming and resting is necessary. Without adequate room for a 200-pound pig, reconsider getting a Kunekune.

Kunekune pigs are also suitable for barn or outdoor settings. They thrive on a diet of grass and need a secure, fenced area (often with live wire) and bedding like sawdust in a ventilated shelter. Shade and ventilation are essential as they don’t tolerate heat well. When overheated, they cool off and protect against flies by rolling in mud. Since pigs only sweat from their snouts, regulating temperature can be challenging.

What Do Kunekune Pigs Eat and Drink?

Kunekune pigs thrive primarily on grass, unlike pot-bellied pigs. When a high-quality pasture is unavailable, such as during droughts, supplement their diet with pot-bellied pig pellets and grass pellets. Adult Kunekunes consume 2 to 3 pounds of these pellets daily if grass is inadequate, prepared as a mash using hot water. Younger pigs consume less, but some fresh grass should always be provided.

During summer, their diet should include grass and fresh vegetables. In fall and spring, supplement with apples for fiber, while in winter, pellet mixtures often replace grass. Offer higher protein pellets (up to 16%) in very cold weather. Ensure an abundance of clean, fresh water, as they may drink up to 10 liters daily.

Common Health Problems

Aside from the occasional check-up by an exotics vet, a Leptospirosis or Erysipelas vaccine every six months (depending on where you live), a deworming every six months, and proper feeding, kunekune pigs are relatively easy to care for.

Because of their long and thick hair, Kunekune pigs are more susceptible to becoming infested with fleas and ticks. Pay close attention to their coat and check periodically for sicks of parasites—any evidence of fleas or ticks should be removed as soon as possible and treated by a professional.

Due to their appetite, pigs can easily become overfed and obese without dietary balance. A fat rollover over their eyes can indicate potential overweight issues. Consult your vet about their diet and avoid excessive treats or table scraps.

Exercise

For Kunekune pigs, ample space for roaming generally provides sufficient exercise. However, mental stimulation is equally important. Encourage daily activity through food searches, puzzles (dog-friendly options like geared towards dogs work great), or exploring their outdoor pen.

Grooming

Kunekune pigs are distinguished by their long, hairy coats, potentially featuring tassels (or pire) hanging from their lower jaw. Available in various colors, their hair can range from silky to coarse or bristly.

Managing your pig’s hair is less complex than it seems. Brushing isn’t essential, but can strengthen bonding when done periodically with a soft-bristled brush. Hoof maintenance is crucial; neglecting hooves, nails, and tusks can lead to pain, infections, appetite loss, and movement issues. Trimming can be challenging for novices, so professional or veterinary help is advisable.

Shedding

Seasonal changes impact Kunekune pigs’ coats, with significant shedding usually occurring in summer. Typically, no assistance or haircuts are necessary for this natural shedding process.

Bathing

Bath your pig every few weeks using your tub or an outdoor bath and gentle cleansers, like baby shampoo or specially formulated pig shampoos. Regularly clean their ears and the skin around their eyes, starting early to build trust and relaxation during grooming routines.

Size Information

Male Kunekune pigs typically weigh between 200-240 pounds, whereas females range from 120-200 pounds. Despite their size, Kunekunes are among the smaller pig breeds, reaching up to 48 inches in height.

Training Your Kunekune

Training a Kunekune pig is similar to dog training. They require a leader or dominant figure and respond well to positive reinforcement. Without an established leader, they may assume dominance, potentially leading to aggression.

Pros and Cons of Keeping a Kunekune Pig as a Pet

Kunekune pigs are intelligent, affectionate animals, making excellent pets if you can meet their needs and environment. Their sweet temperament offers long-term companionship, yet it’s crucial to evaluate whether you can commit the requisite time, energy, finances, and space to raise a large animal like a Kunekune pig.

Purchasing Your Kunekune Pig

After near extinction, Kunekune breeders are present in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, although locating them elsewhere can be challenging. Breeders in some U.S. states may exist; consult local rescues or enthusiast groups for guidance. Prices typically range between $600 and $1400.

Your breeder should assist you in raising your piglet and address your Kunekune-related inquiries. Many advise acquiring two Kunekunes simultaneously; introducing a companion later may pose challenges in acceptance by the older pig.

Reproduction/Breeding

Breeding Kunekune pigs is relatively straightforward. Females first go into heat at around 6 months, repeating every 2-3 weeks. Males can impregnate starting at 4 months. The gestation period is 116 days, after which 6 to 8 piglets are typically born.

Similar Pets to the Kunekune Pig

If you’re curious about pets with care needs comparable to Kunekune pigs, consider:

Otherwise, explore these other exotic animals to find your next pet adventure.