The Kune Kune A Rare Breed Pig

Meet Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble two little Kune Kune Pigs that now live at the Sanctuary. 

The Kune Kune Pig comes from New Zealand, but nobody seems to know how it got there as they are not indigenous to that country.  They were kept by the Maoris for meat, living in a free environment to savage around the houses.  This may explain the pigs love of humans and their excellent temperaments. These little pigs vary in height from 24” to 30” and weigh between 140-220 lbs.  They are covered in long hair, which can be straight, wavy or curly and colours range from cream through to gold, tan, brown, and black.  They also come in a variety of spotty colours.  An interesting feature is that they have a pair of tassels under their chin called piri piri.

They have a medium to short head with either pricked ears or semi lop and their bodies are best described as non-extreme. (Cute little fat fellas)

Our two little chaps have their own paddock that has been fenced with pig wire, Bill has made them a very large chalet dog kennel that stands on a concrete slab ( there is a wooden floor) they also have their own patio area, and mud bath and loads of space for then to roam and root. 

Kune Kune thrive on a diet of grass, fresh fruit and vegetables, they do not need a high level protein but their diet is supplemented by a special feed that suits their needs.  We do not feed kitchen scraps or any other waste food or any food that has come in contact with meat.  Like any other animal they have to be wormed on a regular basis.  And be warned pigs can be very noisy at feed times, something that neighbours may not appreciate. 

You can adopt the pigs for £15 per annum - see our Adoption Page - makes an ideal gift

Piggy Update - March 2009

Just before Christmas, Fred became poorly and our farm animal vet scratched his head in frustration as any medication that was given to Fred did not seem to be working, and Fred certainly seemed to be in a lot of pain.  It was decided that a trip to The Farm Animal Hospital at Leahurst was necessary. So just a few days before Christmas we loaded our little piggy into the back of the trailer, having already made sure that any movement papers were in order  and set off to the hospital.  

After an thorough examination it was decided that Fred needed x-rays and further investigation, he had to stay in hospital, so poor old Fred was made very comfortable in a sty and we all gave him a hug and went back to the sanctuary.  

X-rays revealed that our little piggy had most unusual pouches inside his mouth, just like a hamster, and food and bits of sticks had got lodged inside one causing nasty abscesses.   Unfortunately theses pouches are very deep and although the vet did her best to clean it out it seemed quite impossible, so Fred was put on a long term antibiotic and it is all fingers crossed that he would survive. The vet also cut off his large tusks as they felt these made his mouth a little uncomfortable,  although they will grow again.  

Our Piggy caused quite a stir, as he is such a beautiful and cuddly little chap and so pleasant that even Prof. Knottenbelt went to visit him to say hello.  

Fred came out of hospital two days before Christmas and was on medication for quite some time, although it has seemed to work and he is feeling quite well again.  Although now we have to feed him a mushy diet and swill his mouth out twice a day, not an easy task, (you can take a horse to water but you cannot make him drink – ok – piggy then) but Ali came up with this idea, how about a cup of tea – well a big bowl actually, but hey, it seems to work and Fred loves his cuppa.  

Barney his mate is so disgusted that Fred seems to have had all this attention, that he will not allow Fred to go back in the sty compound, so now we have to build Fred his own residence.  

Pigs, who’d have them.  Oh and Barney had extra fusses when Fred was in hospital so there is no excuse.  

Pictured here is Fred comfy in his stable