Pros and Cons of Raising Kune Kune Pigs

[@sam5miy]

Can't believe this video only has 531 views! You have excellent production quality and your videos are really interesting. Thank you.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks buddy. It’s interesting how some videos take off and some don’t. Luckily this is just a fun way for me to share information with others and not a main source of any income. Appreciate you watching.

[@mmg9675]

Could be the thumping music.

[@scholasticbookfair.]

@@mmg9675 no one knows what music plays before they click a video.

[@Daedalus675]

48k now 🎉

[@CollinRosebrook-o3o]

How much do you want for cooney cooney pigs

[@nunyabusiness7623]

I just processed my first kune and you're absolutely correct....the rendered lard off of the one hog was not only the best I've ever seen or tasted, but there was so much of it that we're covered for lard for well over a year.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

That’s great, I’m glad you liked it. It’s definitely a breed that needs to be specific to your needs. I love them.

[@SalznPfeffer658]

Aw man, I know it's way hypocritical to be revolted by your "processed my first Kune"...cus I sometimes eat pork or wild pig/boar but my first childhood pet was a Kune called Mr Miyagi cus he had whiskers like Miyagi's mo and he was so chilled out like an old man. Ugh...it's the one piggy breed i can't eat. Just can't.

[@donnalovintexas8760]

@@SalznPfeffer658 my dad raised chickens as a child and would not eat chicken. He passed in 1980. He would be amazed at how much chicken is consumed now. I am going to raise a Kune Kune for meat this year. It will have the best life with a purpose to sustain my family. A steer is just too large for me to handle on a daily basis. I am on the edge of being 66 and female. Hopefully retiring in December.

[@tealkerberus748]

@@SalznPfeffer658 And yet without the financial benefit of processing some of them for meat, there is no way most people could afford to keep and breed them at all.

[@HarrryClaudeLaBar]

Great video. Got my first 2 piglets 64 years ago. Still enjoy my pigs. Great video. Thank you.

[@jaytoday10]

Thanks for the info! I’m picking up 2 tomorrow and your video was an excellent source of information. And I am looking to raise them for similar reasons. I really appreciated finding this video.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Yay, congrats on the pigs. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do. If I can be of any help, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m not a professional or an expert but I’ve learned a thing or two

[@tamiesmith3303]

this was perfect. you really covered all the bases.. take care hope you recover soon

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you. It’s healing well.

[@donnalovintexas8760]

Your video gave a lot of information..pros and cons. I just had my 65th birthday so I am too old to raise pigs. But if I was going to raise a pig I would want one with a calm personality making it easier to care for it properly. The Kune Kune would be my choice. There are times I wish I had learned about homesteading when I was younger. Chickens are my thing right now. I just hatched 4 little biddies. I purchased the eggs at a local Chicken Swap. I will have eggs coming out of my ears as they say. I remember my Mom having Shingles..she was miserable. I hope you heal quickly. Stay Safe and Cool and Have a Blessed Week.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks, Happy belated birthday! fortunately most of it has cleared up, but I have one last little bit that’s taking a while. The pigs are such funny and chill animals. We love them.

[@pattireynier6608]

you're never too old, In November I'll be 71 and am looking forward to raising some Kuni Kunis.

[@Portitforward]

Thanks for the info. Confirms that Kunekune pigs are the right choice for my wife and I. We will be expanding from just chickens this year and a breeding pair will go a long way to getting us self sufficient. One thing I picked up is that it may be beneficial for us to establish a good breeding practice/registration (which I know nothing about) especially if the market is favorable in our area.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I think to get a return on them breeding is definitely the best way. They’re too expensive to constantly purchase feeder pigs. I’m glad the video helped provide clarity. Appreciate you taking the time to watch

[@pyroparrish2783]

There is a kune kune registration website. That is loaded with great info and local breeders can be located and contacted.

[@donnalarussa8149]

Excellent info!! Thank you! Just found your channel and look forward to learning more from you. We have been homesteading for over 12 years now and are looking to add pigs to the mix. I think that we are going to get kunes!! So excited!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

We love them. I wish I had more room for them to roam and graze all the time. They take much longer to grow to a process weight, but if that doesn’t bother you, you can’t go wrong with them in my opinion. If you get some, I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

[@janicebartmess2646]

This answered a lot of questions for me. Thanks!

[@SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY]

Nooice! 😎 STOC. I am 8 months into 4 Kunekunes...I just found your channel and will enjoy viewing everything you've posted! Yay!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Congrats on the Kunes! They’re an awesome animal. I’d have 100 if I had the space 😆.

[@SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY]

@@RockyCreekHomestead Thank you :) I'm with you and this is just the start 😜

[@toddshook1765]

Thank you for explaining the kunekune pig. I want to expand our homestead from garden and chickens to pigs. I have been checking out different videos of different breeds. You explained greatly.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching. Best of luck with the adventure

[@proudcanadian100]

Most helpful video I've seen thus far. Thank you.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you, glad it was helpful. Appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@dougandamygilbert8069]

Thank you for the video. We are hoping to add some kunes in the spring. The pros and cons you spoke of are very helpful.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

That’s awesome your considering some. We love them. Glad the video was some help.

[@bakerd13]

Great video! Glad I found you. Thank you for the information.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you. Appreciate you spending time with us.

[@AmandaDoll-hi4dr]

I like kunie kunies pigs a lot. Good job with theme

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you. They’re awesome. I wish I had space for more. Maybe one day

[@AmandaDoll-hi4dr]

You are welcome

[@lauralwayna6603]

Just bought kunekune pigs, awsome video for fencing. We have a large existing pasture. We will be adding hot line single strand. Excited for these!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Congratulations!! Hopefully you’ll enjoy them as much as I do. The single strand has definitely done its job well.

[@mtower235]

This is great info. Been thinking bout it but don’t know anything about the breed. Appreciate it

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Glad it was a help. We love them. Biggest con is time it takes to grow them out. Other than that we love them.

[@bethdelaneypianoteacher]

Thank you for the video! Looking to start raising heritage pigs this year and know nothing lol!

[@rickiejones707]

Great video! The information was spot on.

[@martintopp1399]

Come on KZbin!!! Why is this video not trending on the homestead thread? You're slipping up. Great video. Thank you for making this video. I live in NZ where this breed is supposed to have originated from. I think we need to take this breed a lot more seriously and not just have them as pets!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks for watching and appreciate the compliment. They’re amazing pigs for so many purposes. Definitely a quality over quantity pig in my opinion.

[@rebeccan689]

Very informative 👏 Thank you. New subscriber here because of this video.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Welcome and thanks for taking the time to watch. I’m no expert, just sharing what little bit I’ve learned. If can be of any help, just let us know

[@clarkl4177]

Thank you for the well-presented info👏We love our KKs🐷"Ginger" gave birth last spring and is a great Mama (despite rolling on a couple babies😢) One thing that may be helpful: males can froth at the mouth and scratch at the ground😮 A LOT. It sorta freaked us out to see "Robinson" doing just that while in the pasture with my grandkids... until we researched it!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you. The foaming is quite intense at time, especially when a new lady is introduced. The first time I saw it I was baffled but I reached out to the breeder we’ve gotten all ours from and she told me then it was normal. Thanks for sharing so others can know as well.

[@TimothyMackintosh]

Just leaving a comment to support your algorithm.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks for the help and support

[@Boop_noodle8537]

My friends grandma owns Piney Creek KuneKunes and I fell in love with them helping her handle them. Doing a deep dive and super contemplating getting some😂

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

They’re so great.

[@Raised-Right]

New subscriber. We have kunekunes and AGH's and love them. Your pro's and con's video is spot on sir.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Welcome and thanks for hanging out with us. I actually originally planned to her AGH but after further research I decided to start with Kune Kune. I think I’ll always have Kune Kune but eventually would like to give a try at either an AGH or an IPP.

[@jamiebrandon4256]

@@RockyCreekHomestead I have a cross of the two. AGH x Kunekune…I love them

[@robinsouth8555]

First time viewer, great informational video, thank you. I've been looking into and researching kunekune's. Won't be even considering buying till I retire in a couple years. I love the importance of temperament. I have raised several commercial breeds, and once they were over 100#s, I would not even get in the pen with them (I'm not very big). I have eczema, no more flares, since using goats milk soap!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks for stopping in with us and spending some time. They’re a very cool breed and have great personalities. Each of my pigs have unique personalities but none have ever been aggressive towards me. I can’t imagine raising any others with my full time work schedule. Thanks again for watching and appreciate your time with us.

[@robinsouth8555]

I searched to watch the companion video to this, really informative. Again thank you.

[@TheNooo0b]

The only time I've had anything approaching a behavioral problem with my KuneKunes is when it was acorn season and I got in between them and the acorns. Do watch your feet lol.

[@stevenbradford8164]

I love them. I have 1. She is totally pampered. She slept in my bed room in her early years. So intelligent , loyal and loving.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

They’re so wonderful. Glad you’re happy with your sweet pig

[@janejohnson6139]

Loved you video. We weren't concerned about registered so we got lucky that we found someone on a nearby farm that just wanted to reduce thier stock. Picked up three females... a month later discovered that one of them was loaded.😂 ended up with 10 more! Have really enjoyed having them. Found a boar ( bucky) a little later from a another farm. I like that they dont root but they are very much hoodini's because they escape when ever they can.

[@kyliejones9047]

Thanks for shearing. We just added goats to our farm.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Awesome, congratulations. Goats are in our future plans one day. Probably be a couple more years. What breed did you go with?

[@pedromorales2379]

Great information thank you so much keep doing what you do God bless you

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks you.

[@donobrenski630]

You've made a very good video Sorry for the shingles 😔. My dad who was a two time purple heart winner in the Marines, said that the shingles was the most painful ailment that he's ever had. It was even more painful than being shot twice. So I feel for you ! Good luck with your recovery. Try blending up and making ice cubes with "Jewelweed" it grows everywhere and it's easy to apply. Just rub the jewelweed ice cubes on the rash . It gave my dad instant relief. Take care.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks for sharing the remedy. Fortunately it’s gone now and mine stayed contained to my waistline area. Ended up with a little bit of scarring but that’s about it. Thanks for watching and sharing your knowledge. Thank you to your father as well for his service.

[@perkar49]

Great advice..We raise them here in NZ on just grass and windfall fruit n nuts..for meat and land care ( lawn mowing ) run with a few Wiltshire sheep the team keep our 5 acres looking like a parkland..orchards clean of rotten fruit so no disease, free fert..we have 9..love them to death and beyond.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

That sounds like an awesome system. My dream and goal is to eventually have a property that has more suitable pasture type land that I can allow them to enjoy life on grass. Thanks for sharing

[@dontfit6380]

Perry James: I’m in the US and I also raise them on grass and windfall fruit and nuts. In the winter I feed alfalfa, clover mix. Here in the US the feed companies apparently have a major influence and the majority believe you have to give them a pig feed. Now I only have 6 sows and a boar and I’ve only been doing this for 7 years so maybe I’m doing it wrong but it seems to be working for me.

[@perkar49]

@@dontfit6380 No not at all, I do give mine a small amount of pig nuts for the extra nutrients they offer. Here in NZ grass is lush all year long so we are spoilt for choice. I think you are doing a great job. keep it up kia ora

[@davidnieswiadomy]

Great video! Thanks!

[@pretendfarm]

Awesome video! I have a dumb question, though. Everything I’ve read says that these pigs eat mostly pasture. It looks like their paddock is mostly rock and mud. Do you ever let them out to graze or do you just do strictly feed and don’t worry about the pasture grazing? Thanks!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

They do love pasture and I wish I had the space for the to do so. I provide them hay instead which I just put in as their bedding when it’s not winter and they lay and eat on it.

[@fincalavita4842]

Awesome video, clear information. Thank you

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks, appreciate your time spent watching it. We love these pigs

[@Qingeaton]

Went to visit my wonderful mother in law down in Arkansas last weekend, and her neighbor showed us his Kunekune pigs and set up. He had them on a large tract of land with multiple pens to rotate them back and forth, and there was almost nothing but 'mowed' grass. He said you can't let the grass get too tall, or they won't eat it as well.

[@michaelshaw9228]

Fellow LEO here. I just started my own Pig farm.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

That’s awesome! They’re my favorite animal we have. I’d love to have more space and many more. Maybe one day. Thanks for watching and stay safe.

[@missdaisydoodle]

Oh my… shingles. Wishing you well. My bout with it wasn’t dreadful compared to some but still was grim. Please take care.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you. It took a while but thankfully it all went away. Slight scarring along my side where my waist band kept rubbing them. It was definitely an interesting experience I wasn’t expecting so young. Thanks again and appreciate you watching

[@missdaisydoodle]

@@RockyCreekHomestead I was 37 when I had it so I can relate to that sentiment. I also have autoimmune so maybe that makes us more likely to get shingles. Glad you are improving!

[@Rednecktildeath]

Got my two pigs last month. $800 for the pair but they are less than 3% genetics and fully registered. Great piglets so far. Very friendly and easy with the kids. Plan on breeding to keep the pig around.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Congrats on the new additions. I’m happy you’re enjoying them.

[@2daughtersfarm]

Where did you get your kunes? I want to raise some next year and I would like to start looking for breeders.

[@jaffa74]

Such a good Video! I hope you find some long term relief for skin issues, it can make us so miserable at times, but man I envy your beautiful lifestyle.,.I hope it brings you out if the threat of any impending miseries. Kia kaha 💟🔥☮️🇳🇿

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you. Fortunately by eating much of my own food, I have remained roughly 90 clear and continue to improve.

[@vttsantana]

Thank you like you it going to be hard to butcher the pig because you fell in love with it after 12 months so again thank you and hopefully you feel better from your shingles

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you, the shingles are gone, but I think it has left some scaring. The pigs personalities sure does make it harder.

[@demitreburger707]

Lmao that intro to the video is my daily morning routine, I love kunekune

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Great minds think alike 😃 . They’re the best

[@shepherdstablefarm1902]

My psoriasis stopped when i cut the processed foods, gluten and sugar out(keto diet). It also put my other autoimmune diseases in remission. Food for thought. Gluten issues start in the gut. Blessings!

[@brittanymcdonaldbarr1106]

Great video. Thank you.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks for watching.

[@jenrollins1611]

Thanks for this video! Do you have a video or info on what all you need to do for pregnant moms and the babies for the first 8 weeks?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Unfortunately I only have the video from when our first litter was born. I then have a follow up video where our sow became I’ll from a bad case of mastitis. We have only birthed piglets once and we had so much chaos that follow up videos we’re hard. Traditional heat lamp caught our building they were in on fire so I had to come up with a quick plan b to house them. Then the sow becoming sick with mastitis took a lot of time to heal. Although it sounds crazy, outside of those two major incidents the birth and overall raising was easy. Sow took a lot more feed to maintain weight than I thought. She was getting around 3x the feed along with hay. We didn’t have to give iron shots to piglets because they were rooting the ground early and getting iron from it. Otherwise 1/2cc at 3 days old if needed.

[@fatmanfromtheholler7467]

I enjoyed the video and information a lot. Never raised this breed so new to me. I have worked on hog farms and know a lot about durocs. i say harvesting any animal is hard for me because i strive to give animals the best life possible. by far pigs are smartest animal on the farm. they sleep, eat, poop in a spot for most part which would blow people away. i feed mine bread, produce from food banks tha was old utilize things what i am into. i am semi off the grid but anyways great video and i hope to watch more your videos because extra thoughts, new things is what i am into, god bless

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and sharing your background. I’ve heard great things about durocs. They definitely are much larger than Kune kunes. I used to get extra produce from a local country store but unfortunately the owner of the company told the manager to stop giving them away. Stinks too because I’m pretty sure they’re just throwing it away now.

[@fatmanfromtheholler7467]

@@RockyCreekHomestead I am just a small youtuber make music, DIY stuff, misc current events ect. Sorry hear store stop allowing you to get stuff. i would say try local food pantry they throw so much away and it goes bad it hurts noone. it is all donated. here in missouri no joke more food, building materials is thrown away and misc it is impossible to understand. the world is odd at time like that. i support all farmers, ranchers, sportsmen, off the grid people, artist of all sorts. i have hardly any money but if the best i can give is thumbs up and subscribe that is what it will be. i have my mini farm on 4.9 acres. so all about utilizing space not much space for cattle but i raise pigs, ducks, chickens, goats ect. i never made videos but 4k camcorder thinking about it. i get little discourage at times lol sorry this is so long just bored and up late lol

[@kathmandu1575]

Really a great video - thanks!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks buddy. They’re an awesome breed

[@jacquesyoung1181]

great info the main question I have is you stated that the big doesn't sweat living in florida how would they do in the heat

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

As long as they have shade, a pool or mud pit they should fair okay. We get temps in the 90’s with humidity and they do okay. I have one who doesn’t stay in the shad and is at risk of sun burning when her fur is thinner.

[@mongonius]

Great vid.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you. Appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@FoxVox]

Oh no now I’m gonna have to name our Kune Kune boar Mater . My kid won’t leave it alone once he finds out! Thank you for the helpful tips .

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Mater is legendary 😆. Glad you found the info helpful.

[@ortizfarm]

I agree with the temperament our Kune kunes are easy going.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Can’t get any nicer than a kunes personality.

[@DuncanRobertReid]

Great video! Would these be good in a summer camp setting for handling food waste?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I’d suspect they could be used for such. Mine have been easy to contain so it may work. I think the greater thing would be wether or not they’d be over fed depending on the amount of food waste

[@OrudoVansan]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you.

[@happybleats]

Thank you!! This was super helpful

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Awesome, im glad it helped

[@rogerrichardson2223]

So am I wrong are they pasture grazing pigs except in the winter ?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

It all depends I guess on what you can grow and how long it will grow. Southern climates could probably graze them most the year. Because I have them isolated in pens due to lack of space, they love to eat hay when I have it and when I don’t I supplement with hay pellets.

[@rjp3593]

Thank you for this video!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Absolutely, thanks for watching.

[@j.m.k.3406]

Just was recommended your video. Thanks for the information. Pretty cool pig. I'd like to have two, or six. But I only have about 1/5 acre, so

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks for taking the to me to watch. They’re definitely cool pigs. I’d have a ton if I had the space.

[@LeoTheYuty]

Great video!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you

[@USRUFARM7493]

Great video! Good job!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you.

[@AtomicCheesegod]

I want that hat! Where did you get it???

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I had it made at a local shop. I hope to eventually have some available for purchase once supply issues are alleviated

[@marianne3024]

I’m adopting 2 male 5 month old Kune Kune and “mini” (who knows) mix. I haven’t earned a pig since my Vietnamese potbelly pig 30 years ago so this is going to be fun. They are not for eating for us by the way. Then again, neither are our chickens. But we hunt wild boar to eat so there’s that.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Nothing wrong with a pet pig, especially when you have wild boar around. We don’t have wild boars, at least not yet. They’ve been pushing our way so it may happen eventually. There are many people crossing Kune with pot belly varieties in hopes to get the gently temperament in a small size. Hope they work out well for you.

[@fatmammasexotics]

This was very informative 💪💯

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Glad it was useful. Thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@tayebizem3749]

Dude you're just great

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thank you. Just trying to share my experience in hopes it may help someone else. Appreciate you watching

[@jenniferbunker2757]

What kind of grass is best for them ? Looking to see what kind of grass seed to plant

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Orchard mix is what I know of most people using and is the hay I buy. I will get alfalfa orchard mix at times as well but alfalfa can be expensive. Hope this helps.

[@jenniferbunker2757]

@@RockyCreekHomestead thank you

[@michellejaggard9657]

Oh my goodness I didn't know Kune Kune Pigs could get that BIG! Wow

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

They vary quite greatly. There’s several lines of them so I believe that plays a big part.

[@GunManOsh]

Can they handle cold environments/climates? I live in Wisconsin. Pasture pigs seem interesting!!!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

We don’t get as cold as you all probably do but we do get a couple 6-8 inch snows a year and they do just fine. As long as they have a shelter to keep dry and block the wind they shouldn’t have an issue. I use straw bedding in the winter and they’ll push it into a pile and then burrow down in it while they sleep. The only issue I have in winter months is keeping up with their frozen water bowls.

[@nicksoares2694]

Great video. Did you keep that feed ratio from piglets to butcher weight? Thanks

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

For the most part I did. I’ll notice certain pigs may vary slightly in how they’re growing and may adjust some slightly, but for the most part they all eat the same

[@shanengivone3973]

I never knew kune kune came in dinosaur size! The picture makes you look tiny! Hehe!

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

😂 I didn’t think of that until you said it, too funny. I told my daughter and she laughed too.

[@polie67]

Subbed! We are picking up our first 2 pigs this week and they are KuneKune! They are 2 females but I want to find a boar from a different genetic line to breed one of the females and eat the other.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Awesome, welcome and congratulations on getting the new pigs. I’d have a whole farm of them if I had the space. I hope you enjoy them and they meet your needs. If you have any questions, just let me know.

[@polie67]

@@RockyCreekHomestead would you suggest crossing them with a Berkshire boar to increase the time to process? I was also thinking about getting goats for vegetation control IF they can be controlled with an electric fence alone. I have a few large areas I wanted cleared and was thinking of just running a few strands of hot wire w/ at least a 5j charger to keep them in. I did have a wild sow about 30# but she pushed should an electric fence and jumped/climbed over the hog panels I had setup....so that's why we are going with domestic piglets lol

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Oh wow that’s crazy for a pig to climb over like that, I’ve never seen that. If you cross it, it’ll definitely allow for a quicker growth and probably a bigger yield. That’s what people are trying to achiever with the Idaho pasture pigs. They want the Kune temperament but larger size pigs. I’ve never cross bred though. I raise just for our family and two pigs supply us with our needs annually. From my experience helping a friend I felt containing goats were harder than pigs. If it was me I think I’d attempt hot wire training the kunes kunes within a pen and once acclimated to the wire, moving them inside your area to clear using 3 strands of hot wire.

[@kyerstenkerr5074]

Polie; Berks are massive! A boar would squash a little Kune gilt or sow, and also note crossing would likley breed in rooting tendencies. We raised Berks for several years. Our boar was around 850-900 lbs....not raised Kunes but some things to think about

[@lapearl521]

NC? Or further South?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

We’re actually north of that in VA

[@deborahkramer2658]

How would they do around alpacas and dogs and cats

[@GambitGodsey187-ku3wz]

I thought about getting one but for something that big n that heavy that don't seem like much food.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

It’s definitely not the pig for everyone which is why I wanted to share it. For us it works well, but for some it wouldn’t be the best fit. Thanks for watching

[@tkfarms4337]

I raise Berkshire Yorkshire and duroc I have 27 acres I have been thinking of switching to Kune Kune to raise for pasture pork. My idea is to continue to use the large breeds to clean up most of the under brush and make the switch to Kune Kune because of the rooting

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I could see that being a good system. There is always the Idaho pasture pig which is a cross of Berkshire, Duroc and Kune. I’ve not seen them in person, but I know they’ve gained a lot of popularity over the last several years. Temperament of Kune but size of the other breeds. Since I just supply my family, they kunes are just fine though.

[@tkfarms4337]

@@RockyCreekHomestead my Berkshire are very gentle as well I love having berks I have thought of the Idaho pasture pigs but the Kune Kune is actually alot easier to get here in Kentucky. My dad raised meat hogs but I changed it up alot and started raising them on pasture that alone was a game changer with pasture rotation meat breeds do good but I like the idea of a pig that can thrive on grass with less grain and still be used for meat for the family. I'm sure with a Kune Kune I could make my own IPP's with an extended breeding program might be worth doing I love having a homestead project I have enough land to bring in Kune Kune's and still not worry with them getting to my meat hogs I could have them on a different rotation maybe rotate Kune Kune's with the cows to keep away from my meat hogs I'm afraid my Berkshire boars would kill the smaller kune kune if in the same paddocks I run Berkshire boars their friendly and get along with one another maybe because I purchased 3 litter mates and raised them together. Thank you for replying and making a great video.

[@rebeccamadison3292]

What is your worming rountine?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

We’ve been fortunate and according to our vet she hasn’t seen signs of heavy worm loads in our pigs when she visits. Based on her recommendations we just use ivermectin de-wormer injected every 6 months. So far in 3 years I haven’t seen any signs from the pigs that’s had me deviate. I hope that may help.

[@Gods_creation.His_harvest]

What kind of bacon do the give?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I was pleased with the bacon. My biggest problem is I need a meat slicer because I ended up hand cutting it which resulted in really really thick slices 😆.

[@Cellenium125]

serious question. do you fill guilt slaughtering a pig you raised?

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

I have a few leads on some Kune Kune ;) I need a bigger property though we only have 2 acres. Get better soon.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

Thanks buddy.

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

@@RockyCreekHomestead 💛

[@christianbrown3860]

What is the sq footage you have for your Kune Kunes? I have about 900 sq feet here in SE Alaska that I would like to raise a couple Kune Kunes on, I don't know if that would be enough for them?? Any Advice?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

2 of my pens are approximately 48 x 16 one is 48 x 32. I raise 2 in the 48 x 16 pens without any issues. They wear the grass down quickly which is why I supplement them with hay or hay pellets. The more you put in a small area will require more frequent cleaning of their pens. They are rather clean animals, but they do produce a fair amount of poop, so more than 2 in that small of an area will definitely require more frequent cleaning of their pens. I hope this helps.

[@christianbrown3860]

@@RockyCreekHomestead This helps tremendously! Thank you so much!!

[@jellibelli929]

We just processed 2 kune kune and the butcher said we wont get any ham or bacon? He said they have too much fat. Is this typical?

[@KennyMiller-um5qb]

Do you ever clip the piglets "needle teeth" when they are young or at any point?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I personally haven’t. I know of some people who do.

[@Sarahtransforms]

i just bought 2 females and I'm trying to get use to them, they act different then my other miniature pigs and arent' social at least yet. Extremely docile like you said, I would like them to interact more though, they run away from me.

[@ksangebell]

Great content! So, I have a 5 acre paddock I plan on using for my 1st Kune Kunes, it will be 1 boar, 2 sows and 2 (two month old) piglets. Can I put them all together or do I need to separate these piglets? I know I'll need to separate the sows and piglets for farrowing. But at what age can they be in the herd?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I’ve not personally had to integrate yet but I am about to in a couple weeks. The 3 piglets birthed last summer I feel are at a good size to try it. I plan to put the 2 full gown ladies together, the younger boar with the full grown and leave the castrated younger pig and younger gilt together. I can update you once I see how that goes. Unfortunately I don’t have much experience with that part yet so I don’t want to give you bad advice just to sound knowledgeable

[@ksangebell]

@@RockyCreekHomestead I spoke with the previous owner when we picked them up. They had been housing them all together from birth so, we are keeping them together. Makes things super easy! I am in love with this breed already!

[@nicksoares2694]

Do you castrate the male pigs? My breeder said they have never tasted boar taint. Just curious on what you do. Thanks

[@roybracy5074]

How much in weight do you feed them? We have kune kune although I think their crossed with something as we have some small but also some tall ones and some really big like youbig boy I think I'm feeding too much good video

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I’ve adjusted some the longer I’ve had them. For the last year or so I’ve settled on free choice hay along with 2 cups of grain. If I’m out of hay, I do 1 cup feed, 1/3 cup alfalfa pellet and 1/3 cup black oil sunflower seed in morning and then 1 cup feed in afternoon. I hope that helps

[@BracesandBoots1]

That fat ground in with deer meat, makes great sausage. I can only get excited about deer meat when I know it's going to get used and appreciated. Sausage ensures that for just about everyone in the family. So if the kunekune's lack of meat production can be subsidised with another free source of meat, I'd say we've got a win win.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

It definitely would be a great add in for that. Thanks for pointing out another way to add value and balance.

[@glenakiwibackyardgardner1193]

We love our kune kune pigs here in Newzealand

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

They are wonderful animals. I’d raise so many more if I had the space.

[@cephalopodx7587]

What is the fat to meat ratio if you raise them properly and slowly? Can I feed them windfall from my orchard or garden?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I really don’t know how to best describe the ratio. I know on chops I get a good 1” fat cap. Of course much of that is up to how I ask the processor to cut it. The Boston butts are probably 1/3 fat. It’s definitely a breed you’d only want if you plan to utilize lard. If you’re not planning to find uses for lard, I definitely would recommend a different breed. I feed mine items from garden and fruits from trees. I just do so in moderation. I’ve had them overeat on certain produces and become sick for a day.

[@cephalopodx7587]

Thank you. This gives me a much better idea of what to expect. I appreciate it. I think I was interested in the breed because of their temperament and laid back approach to being in a pen (things like the Mangalitsa, my other choice heritage breed are almost impossible to keep in a pen that isn't Ft Knox of the piggy world). The lard would be a bonus for us as I grow most of our food but do not have a reliable fat source other than sunflower seeds. @@RockyCreekHomestead

[@kgcndn7872]

Rookie question, I saw you kept the male/female together, do you seperate them when piglets are involved?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

We do. If I suspect the female has been bred and may have piglets, I’ll separate her to be by herself to farrow without issues.

[@kobusvanzyl7222]

Great content. Would it be ok to put them on pasture with goats and sheep instead of their own separate pen?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I’ve heard of people doing it. I’d personally wouldn’t hesitate other than my boar and that’s only because they’re tusks. I’d be a little concerned they could accidentally harm another animal. Other than that I don’t see any issues

[@garden1016]

What is your feed type? Feed daily regiment? Feed amount? To get 250 grow out wieght in 12 months ? Any other feed info you have. Thanks

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I feed a swine feed that’s 15% protein at 2 cups a day. Morning 1 cup feed with 1/3 cup alfalfa pellets. Afternoon 1 cup feed with 1/4 cup black oil sunflower seed. Because of my work schedule, sometimes I have to feed both cups of feed in morning at one time. If I have access to hay bales, then I free choice feed the hay and eliminate the pellets. In summary daily 2 cups of feed along with hay or hay pellets and 1/4 cup black oil sunflower seeds. I like to wet the feed for easier digestion. The black oil sunflower seeds is something I try to have on hand but sometimes I got a bit of time without it based on availability or price. I hope this may have helped

[@crae1972]

Goats milk soap works well for my kids skin issues

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

That’s great to hear. Natural lotions and soaps definitely make a difference for sensitive skin

[@shannonhansen1641]

Wow i paid 150 each for 4 month old yorkshires up here in Canada would hate to see what your pigs would cost

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

It’s odd, the prices seem to vary greatly depending on where they’re at. I guess it’s just down to the quantity available in certain geographical areas.

[@andystampfli9127]

So they are a slower growing breed... When can the breed and what size litters should we expect. I found someone who's getting out of them and can get feeders for $25. But would like to try to raise my own from them and don't know much about them.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

They can be mature enough for pregnancy as early as 8 months, but with their slower growth 12-18 is more ideal. Litter sizes can vary with the first litter often times being the smallest the sow will have. Average is 6-8 but I had a litter as small as 4.

[@andystampfli9127]

@@RockyCreekHomestead thanks for the reply. Guy bought a property with them on it and sold them off to get rid of them. I was 3hr away by the time I called (30 min after posting) he said he had a guy coming for the adults and didn't know if he wanted the little pigs... 2hrs later the post was removed. Wrong place and time but got the idea stuck in my head. I don't think I've ever heard of a hog being a good mother until I heard of kunekune. My knowledge is limited but Berkshires seemed to lose 1 or 2 a litter... Even with escape boards

[@ifeeltheneedfospeed2339]

I'm really curious what you would make for your skin with the lard, my Fiance has psoriasis and I'd like to know what you do to help with it.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I’ve not made anything yet with the lard other than rendering it for cooking. The lard can be used to make soap though which is something I’d like to do one day. Psoriasis effects people differently and for me eating organic foods, using natural soaps / lotions and trying to reduce stress seemed to be the greatest contributors.

[@bendrinkin1782]

Just got our first kunekune yesterday, paid $50 non registered, going to get 2 females out of the next litter. This is all new to me, but my wife wanted a pig lol have you ever cut the tusks? That’s my main concern

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I have not cut them. Mater has gotten his caught in the fence twice which resulted in me cutting a small piece of fence to get him loose. Generally they’ve broke off on their own.

[@sonofromel]

They are stocky and good looking. Do they get bigger?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

From what I’ve researched once they get to about 2 years of age they’ve plateaued in grown. Any extra weight put on after that age will be predominantly fat. Most people process them between 12 and 18 months. They’re are much smaller than a traditional farm pig.

[@peterstevens6555]

Kia Ora, from New Zealand .

[@MrJchustle22]

What do you do with excess lard if one pig produces enough lard for a year?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I just freeze it until I’m ready to use it. If I ever have the time to learn and experiment with soap making, that will be another way to use much of it.

[@shereencrowley2966]

Could they be raised along with sheep on say 7 acres. Only 10 sheep?

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I don’t see why not. I’ve seen them raised with goats without issue. My experience with sheep makes me think the sheep would be easier than goats with them since sheep tend to shy away more. Maybe the boar would be my only concern with his tusks.

[@matthewsnyder7950]

Have you had any aggression with boars when the sows are going into heat? We bought a family, boar, sow and 6 piglets, we have then all together in the pasture and I believe the sow is starting to go into heat and the boar has gotten aggressive (charged me and my wife a few times along with my son). Both breeding parents are registered purebred, the boar is double registered. Is there something different I should be doing? The last time I got in there my boar was coming straight toward me and wasn't even interested in the food. I had to climb up a gate to get away.

[@RockyCreekHomestead]

I have not personally had this issue. The breeding part is still newer to me so I’m not the most experience there. Since this video I’ve separated the boars from the sows in preparation to pair them in the coming months. I’ll have two breeding pairs going at the same time if all goes well and I can update then if I notice a similar issue.