How Much do KuneKune Pigs (and Piglets) Cost?
Growing in popularity, KuneKune pigs area a great small pig breed for the homestead. But how much does a KuneKune cost to buy and keep?
What are KuneKune Pigs?
Also called Kune Kune pigs, these little cuties originated in New Zealand, though it is believed they are descendants of Asiatic breeds many years before. They are a hardy little breed, covered in a thick, wiry coat.
They are of a small stature, on average only being about two feet tall. Even though they are smaller than most pigs they can mature to 250-300lbs for sows and 250-400 lbs for boars. Appropriately, their name means “fat and round” in Maori, the language of native New Zealanders who have raised and cared for these pigs for centuries.
They come in a variety of colors including white, black, black and white, reddish brown, and any combination of those.
Why are Kune Kunes Popular?
Along with the popular Idaho Pasture Pigs (or IPPS), Kunes can do very well foraging and eating grass. In the winter they can maintain well on a small amount of grain, kitchen scraps, and hay.
They can maintain well even in cooler climates.
Additionally, KuneKune pork is considered especially delicious as it has an excellent meat to pork ratio. Like the Mangalitsa, they are considered lard pigs and will produce wonderful lard for cooking, soap making, etc.
They are largely considered to be pets in some places as they have such friendly and docile personalities.
They have gained popularity among small farmers and homesteaders because they are able to be kept on smaller acreage and they can thrive on less feed than a larger breed. It should be noted they are slower to grow than commercial hogs.
How Much do KuneKune Piglets Cost?
This is going to vary greatly depending on if they are registered or un-registered, males or females, and where in the United States (or abroad!) that you live.
Here is a breakdown by sows, boars, and barrows.
How Much Does a KuneKune Sow Cost?
A sow is a female pig that is mature enough for breeding. A gilt is a female pig that is not yet mature.
The price for either will depend if they are registered or unregistered. In my area of Minnesota, registered breeding stock runs around $450 per sow.
I was able to find unregistered sows for $200 each.
I was also able to find a registered breeding pair (both a sow and a boar) for $1,000.
On average you can then expect to pay at least $250 for a grade (unregistered pig) female Kune, more likely $450 and up for a registered one.
What Does a KuneKune Boar Cost?
A boar is an intact male meaning he can be used for breeding. The cost will depend on if the boar is registered or not. A registered animal will likely run you around $500 and up. An unregistered animal will cost around $250.
How Much are Kune Barrows?
If you are buying a barrow then you are either getting it to be a pet or to be eaten. A barrow is a castrated/neutered male pig. It will cost you around $100 for a piglet.
Older pigs will cost more as whoever raising them has already put money into their feed and care.
If buying a whole pig for food, you can expect this to vary depending on where you live and how the pig was raised. In Minnesota, I was able to find $5 per pound hanging weight. That would come to (figuring the hanging weight at around 115 lbs) $575 for a whole pig. After you figure in processing (at a minimum of $1 per pound, likely more) and tax it will run you close to $700 for one whole, processed KuneKune.
If you are not wanting to invest that much in a whole or half a hog, in Minnesota, I found ground KuneKune pork for $14 per pound.
Remember, these pigs take a lot longer than your average pig to mature. These pigs won’t be processed until they are well over a year old, whereas your standard hog will be processed somewhere between 6-9 months. That added into their superior tasting meat and you will have to pay a premium price for a premium meat.
What Does it Cost to Keep a KuneKune Pig?
This will depend entirely on what you have to offer the pig in terms of pasture and food scraps. If you have plenty of grass for your pig to graze and an ample supply of food scraps from your kitchen, then you won’t have to spend much at all on a pig or two.
It is important to note that even though Kunes are easy keepers, it is your responsibility to provide for them appropriately where nutrition is concerned.
They should be getting supplemental feed in addition to grass and scraps. It should include vitamins, minerals, and a diverse overall diet.
A fifty pound bag of conventional pig feed costs around $15-25 depending on where you buy it. An adult pig needs around 2.5-4 lbs of feed a day. As they have pasture and scraps to go along with this, you will have to find the right balance for keeping your pigs properly nourished.
The American KuneKune Pig Society has wonderful resources for feeding your pigs proper amounts.
Where Can I Buy KuneKune Pigs?
These pigs have grown quickly in popularity and can be found in most states. You can start with the American KuneKune Pig Society which has a list of registered breeders.
I’d recommend checking out Craiglist, or Facebook groups dedicated to livestock, homesteading, etc. in your area.
If you are wanting to start a breeding program, I would recommend finding a reputable KuneKune breeder as opposed to buying whatever you can find from a backyard operation. You will pay a higher price and might have to get on a waiting list, but it is worth it to start out your operation on the right foot.
Make sure when buying your Kunes that you know what your rights are to the animal. Some breeders only sell their pigs as pets and do not allow you to breed them. This should be made clear prior to purchasing the animal and you will have to sign a contract at the time of sale if this is the case.
