The pigs

I breed Kune Kune pigs, though they are more like pets than livestock.

Kune Kunes originate from New Zealand and their history is closely linked with that of the Maoris, who used to keep these small pigs in the camps, roaming free around the fires. As a result, Kune Kunes are extremely friendly and adore people. The breed nearly died out but at the end of the last century, efforts were made to save them and the breed is now going strong in New Zealand, the UK and across the world.

I mainly breed my pigs for meat but also supply the odd “pet pig”. One day, I’d like to be able to breed excellent stud boars and sows, not to mention competitive candidates for the show ring, but I’ll just take it one litter at a time!

I’ve currently got three sows, two gilts (a female under one or an adult who hasn’t had a litter) and a boar. They’ve all got great personalities and their own likes and dislikes. They all sit for treats and are often more obedient than the dogs!

Scrumpy and piglet - 10 September 2008

Scrumpy is the kind of pig who knows exactly what she wants, but does at least have the manners to say ‘please’ first. Most of the time. Pictured here with one of her newborn piglets in 2008.

Brini - 23 August 2008

It took me a while to get to know Brini and I think that’s because she’s been well-handled but never fussed. But she finally gave in and now loves belly rubs and cuddles and is a real sweetheart. I’d love to have a litter from her but, sadly, I don’t think that’s on the cards and she’s due to go for sausages this winter.

Tia and her piglets - 30 August 2008

I used to think that Tia was a sweet harmless soul who would never put a trotter wrong … but that was just an act. If there’s lots of grass, she generally behaves herself, but the second it runs out, beware! Mind you, even when she’s naughty, she’s nice!

Fergie - 23 June 2009

Fergie is one of Tia’s piglets from last year and was the runt of the litter. She’s deaf, mildly autistic and most definitely a pet!

Perky and Jo - 21 April 2009

Perky is also from Tia’s litter last year and was originally intended to go for meat. But then she discovered the joy of cuddles – and I discovered what a lovely personality she has. With a well proportioned body and a great temperament, she’s an ideal candidate for breeding and I can’t wait until next year when I’ll be (hopefully) putting her in pig.

Pinky and her newborn piglets - 20 September 2009

Pinky is the third and final piglet from Tia’s litter last year and like Perky, was destined to be pork chops and sausages. But the abattoir was closed for summer and during that time, she got herself in pig! She’s now got 6 piglets and has bought herself several more months…

Curly - 9 August 2009

Finally, there’s Curly, who is from Scrumpy’s litter last year. He’s not exactly a runt, but is somewhat on the small side. He’s the sire of Pinky’s piglets and is also awaiting his turn to go for sausages…

No longer with us (unless you count the freezer…)

Bailey in a hat - 30 August 2008

Bailey was my boar. He was a real softie, whose fearsome appearance belied his gentle nature. Sadly, his advancing years meant that his fertility was reduced to zero, so after a year of no piglets by him (and no lottery win), he went for sausages in October 2009.

Harold - 23 February 2009

Harold was the naughtiest pig in the world. Adorable, friendly, lovely. But oh so naughty! I raised him for meat and for meat he duly went. A bit fat, but delicious!

Albert and Victoria - 17 March 2008

Vicky and Albert were my first pigs (Welsh and Welsh cross) and they’re the ones that got me hooked on raising my own pork. I decided to raise Kune Kunes as “normal” pigs are big, whereas the smaller stature and friendly nature of KKs makes them a lot easier to handle.

Housing

The pig arks (and piglets) - 21 October 2008

All my pigs live outdoors all year round in pig arks (purchased from West Frogwell Farm) and are rotated across the field on a regular basis in a modern version of the old-fashioned “fold unit” using electric sheep netting, usually two or more 50m rolls to make a big enough for them to roam without destroying all the grazing in one fell swoop! When the grass grows, they rarely root, but as soon as we hit autumn, once they’ve eaten the grass and it doesn’t grow back, they dig it up. I haven’t got a problem with them doing that as they’re only doing what nature intended, though levelling everything off again can be annoying!

Last updated: 11 October 2009