[Button End Beasts]

Hi    - what a horrible day out there.


We are due to pick up 2 Kune Kunes this weekend, weather permitting and lambing (just had our first 2 Manx lambs born outside in the sleet ). I've been reading the other links on here about feeding Kunes but I just have one little question. If we give them hay to eat, should we just leave them as much as we can (ie a whole bale at a time for them to munch on) or is it best to limit the quantity they have each day?


Can't wait to meet the new arrivals


Beki

[gavin davies]

I bought a full bale for my kk about three weeks ago and they never toched it maybe due to the fact they were indoors all the time before I got them I was hoping they would like it as it would save on the feed bills but you can't win everything

Good luck with the new arrivals

[Northlands]

I just feed mine a little bit at a time otherwise they just waste it. 

[Hassle]

I don't know Kune kunes but if I was feeding hay I would try and build them up on it so throw them a slice of the bail if they eat it up put a bit more, I know with cattle if I left a bail there they would just stand on top of it and eat, hence why I use a ring.

[Button End Beasts]

Yes I can imagine the little buggers tearing it apart. Certianly that's what the big pigs do getting anywhere near hay/ straw. I've kept big pigs for a few years now so I'm finding it hard to get my head around feeding Kunes that eat things like grass and hay and, dare I say it, might not dig! Now that's just weird!

[HappyHippy]

We usually just put a bit into their arcs for them - it keeps it dry and they can munch at their leisure 
If they've not been in the habbit of getting hay the best thing is to put it under their pig nuts to begin with and start with smaller amounts to see if they like it.
We also suppliment them with soaked sugar beet pellets (in the absence of fresh roots) to make the feed to further too - but be careful they don't get too fat if you decide to try it 
HTH
Karen

[MKay]

My large blacks live out without an ark, they get a 4x4 hay bale once a month and love the task of dismantling it and building a nest.
With this high wind from the east(an unusual direction for us) they have moved their nest to a more sheltered location- mouthfull by mouthfull and rebuilt it.
 they absolutly love doing it, ceeps them busy and fit and lean. by the end of their hard work it looks like an old fashioned hayrick waiting to be brought in. with a nose pointing out!

[Bionic]

Mkay, sounds lovely. Any pictures?

[MKay]

No, but I will take some.

[Berkshire Boy]

Blimey MKay they live out all year no ark. I presume they have hedges and trees so they can build their nest in shelter. Does the hay keep them dry? Would love to see some pictures, never heard of anyone not having arks.

[JMB]

We put hay in for our kk's. I spoil them so a put a big pile in, but they do waste it.
In the winter though it keeps them busy snouting about in it, so it's worth it to keep them occupied.
J xxx

[Button End Beasts]

Finally got my Kune Kunes at the weekend . They really are great little  pigs and seem so much easier to deal with than my big girl (still love her to bits though). One is black and one ginger, 6 months old and already throwing themselves down for belly rubs. One sat down, like a dog, with her head in my lap having a head rub .  It's going to be difficult sending them for sausages

[HappyHippy]

They are incredibly friendly and easy to deal with - you shouldn't have many problems with them in that respect 

As for getting attached  You just have to try and keep their purpose in mind  (says she who relented on sending a barren gilt because she 'talks' to me with her eyes  )

Have you got photo's ? 

[Hassle]

Compartmentalise it ... Ones a pig, other is totally different, it's pork

[Button End Beasts]

Pics as requested. Dont worry - they do have green grass to roam around on. This bare spot, with the house on it, is the nearest place to the field gate!