[Sudanpan]

Our pig paddock is now lush with grass again (tamworth x large whites left in July) Our original plan was to leave everything until next June/July before taking on some weaners again, but we are really missing the piggy company


So, on a local network a member has just advertised kune kune piglets as available - I am sorely tempted in getting a couple and then having lots of Kune Kune sausages in August    However - I have a couple of queries - we have a very resident, big, buzzard who has adopted our fence poles as his/her perches in the area of the pig paddock. Would kune kune weaners be vulnerable to a buzzard? I know 8 week old traditional breeds would be too much to deal with for a buzzard, but young kunes?


Also a question on supplemental hard feed for them - I understand that the 'regular' pig feed is probably a bit rich in protein for a kune kune, so what do I need to look for in terms of appropriate feed?


Th kune kunes would have a nice warm arc, loads of bedding and then the paddock - at 8/9 weeks old at this time of year would that be sufficient or do they need more shelter?


Thanks 
Tish

[HappyHippy]

Hiya Tish,
I'll try to help 

We have a resident family of buzzards and have never lost a Kunekune piglet or weaner to them. Ours are usually at least 15Kg when they're weaned, so I think the birds might struggle 

We feed all our Kunekunes one pound of standard sow rolls per day, split into 2 feeds and extra veggies on top of this. At this time of year we're supplimenting with hay and/or hayledge depending on what we can get.
If it gets really cold we up the amount of sow rolls to around 2-3 pounds (but that's temps of -20C for maximum ration)

They should be fine with the arc, as long as their bed is dry and deep and they've got other pigs for warmth they'll be fine (though you might not always be able to see them if the snow gets very deep  ) I'd go for a trio  and if you're getting boars and gilts, make sure the boars are castrated. Kunekunes farrowing at 7 and 8 months old isn't unheard of 

Good luck and post us photo's if you do get them 
Karen x

[ppd]

Hi Tish
I have 3KKs thanks to Karen and they are fab and fun - can't tell you about taste yet though If you go ahead and get some would love to see photos
Pauline x

[Sudanpan]

Many thanks for the info Karen    We might be going over to have a look see tomorrow    Then it might be a case of trying to persuade the OH that a trio would be better than a duo.... 

[wendy Scu]

i wholeheartedly agree with HH
and the sausages are extremely good by all accounts!