AKKPS/EKPA KuneKune Pigs & ADGA/AGS Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Its always exciting to catch a breeding when it happens ! This way you can pin point a farrowing date and you can plan accurately and be prepared for the due date. We were lucky enough to witness our breeding of Tarrah and Montgomery which will have an expected farrowing date of 3/22/22. This is going to be a great pair up and produce some rare bloodlines .
One of the most commonly asked questions that breeder’s get is if a pig will be ok by itself. While there are instances where a pig would be happy without the company of its own kind, they really need to be with at least one other pig. Kunekune pigs, and all pig breeds in general, are very social animals. They are much healthier and happier when they are able to socialize with their own kind. Whenever you see pigs out on a farm, they are always grouped together. They enjoy each other’s company; they like to snuggle up with each other, lay in mud wallows together, and have a partner or more to graze with. As with all herd animals, pigs feel safer in pairs or more. Often times when a pig lives alone they can start to exhibit undesirable issues such as aggression, depression, escaping, and other health problems. If you are just starting out with Kunekune pigs, please keep in mind that you will need to budget for multiple pigs. If you are interested in a breeding pair, once they get to the age that they will need to be separated, be prepared to get them each a buddy. Barrows make great companions for both boars and sows. An optimal start up set up would be to purchase two gilts or a gilt and a barrow to be together and then either two boars or a boar and a barrow to be together. While everyone’s situation is unique, these are just suggestions to provide your pigs with the best situation to live a healthy, happy life.
Courtesy of AKKPS FB Post
When people generally think of pigs, they think of them as the garbage disposals of the farm. While this may be true, especially since kunekune pigs seem to have a bottomless stomach, there are certain foods that should be avoided. Food that is toxic to kunekune can cause mild to deadly symptoms. If you are unsure of a food item, do not feed it to your kunekune until further research is done. Here is a list of foods that can be toxic to kunekune and should be avoided: • Death cap mushrooms – these are found throughout the US and are usually around oak trees late summer to early winter • Raw potatoes (always cook if feeding to your pigs) • Raw kidney and lima beans • Rhubarb –can be highly toxic • Raw parsnips, celery, celery root, onions and parsley • Avocado pits • Raw bread dough • Dog, cat, and chicken feed due to its high sodium content • Moldy, slimy, rotten food • Aspartame – which is found in gum and sugar free products • Raw meat • Sugary foods should be avoided since kunekune have a tendency to become overweight quickly
So what can you feed your kunekune? Here is a good starting list! But remember to research first if you are unsure about a certain food item. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. • Bananas, melons, grapes, oranges, apples, pears, cooked broccoli, apricots (no pits), cherries (no pits), peaches (no pits), cucumbers, zucchini, spinach, peas, spent grains, squash, pumpkins, spinach, kale, tomatoes, carrots, berries, grapefruit, chard, and yams.
Courtesy of AKKPS Face Book Post 11/23/21