KuneKune means "fat and round" in the Maori language.
They originated in New Zealand as a domestic pig. They are hairy/some fury pigs that also can produce wattles by their lower jaw. These wattles look like some sweet Elvis Presley sideburns. When we first got our pair we thought that maybe the wattle was a sensor or a way to splash water to keep cool. After much research we have read several times that there are no known functions. However having wattles, especially two is a sought after appearance for the breed standards.
KuneKune are a great addition to the farm for several reasons:
Their noses are tilted upward....they usually do not dig up much ground, which means a good stable fence will hold them in.
They are a grazing pig. One acre of grass can feed(with some supplemental feed) up to six pigs.
They show love like a dog: they are great with children and come running when you call them for a good scratch.
The habitat for them is woodland and pasture which we have both to provide.
They can help provide for themselves.
As I said above and I have said in other parts of our blogs...They can provide for themselves.
By this I mean everything on our homestead has a purpose.
KuneKune pigs are a great family pet and our two, Juliet and Oliver will remain Our Family Farm Pets.
However in the future we will be selling their piglets. Some will be sold for registered breed pets and some to be raised for meat. The money will go back to the farm to buy feed, vet care and provide even better shelters and more fencing.
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