Kunekune Pigs

Originating in New Zealand, kunekune pigs (pronounced: kooni kooni) are a small breed of domestic pig ideal for meat production.

Unlike other breeds of pigs (such as our berkshire pigs), kunekune are not at all destructive, are quite friendly in nature, and surprisingly social, making them ideal for small hobby farms or farms with limited space.
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Kunekune pigs vary in color from black and white, black with brown markings to ginger! They can live to be 20 years old and weigh up to 400 lbs!

Their Purpose on the Farm:

 At Island Hill farm, you'll likely be greeted with the happy grunts of Maddy our Kunekune female. She loves belly rubs and may even roll over onto her side for you!

Our male big red is only a few months old, but eventually the two will become our breeding pair at the farm, with their babies destined to become meat. Both Maddy and Big Red are very social and love wandering around the barn interacting with our guests. Don't be shy and say hello! They both love belly rubs, and Maddy especially may even flop onto her side for you!

Interesting Facts about Berkshire Pigs:

• At one point in the 1980's the kunekune breed almost went extinct, until two wildlife park owners started a breeding program to bring the breed back. As of 2010 the breed is no longer considered endangered.
  
• In the native Maori language Kunekune means 'fat and round'. An apt description of these cute pigs.
  
• Kunekune pigs are relatively small with short bristly hair and usually have a set of wattles hanging from their chin!
  
• Kunekune pigs have upturned noses which discourages rooting in the ground or the challanging of fences. This makes them a very non destructive species of pig (unlike our berkshires who act like mini bulldozers)
  
• If provided with enough grass, kunekune pigs will happily graze until full, requiring no other feed to survive.