We had to make a big change around here. Our Kunekunes are famous escape artists, and after one too many adventures into the neighborhood, we made the call to move them…
We had to make a big change around here. Our Kunekunes are famous escape artists, and after one too many adventures into the neighborhood, we made the call to move them from free range into secure pig pens. It was the safest option for them and for our neighbors, but it came with a learning curve.
Kunekunes are grazing pigs by nature. When that pasture disappears overnight, you feel it. I knew they should not live on pig feed alone, so I started offering what everyone recommends for winter feeding: orchard hay and alfalfa pellets. And they looked at me like I was trying to poison them.
If you are in the same boat, you are not alone.
Why Pig Feed Alone Is Not Enough for Kunekunes
Kunekunes are excellent grazers and easy keepers, but that does not mean they can stay healthy on just pellets. Too much high energy feed and too little fiber is how they get overweight fast, and that is tough on joints and overall health.
For most adults, a starting point is about 1 to 2 percent of their body weight in balanced pelleted feed per day, split into two feedings, plus free access to grass or hay. We still need that free choice fiber part, even when there is no pasture.
Why They Snub the Hay and Alfalfa Pellets
1. Alfalfa is very rich
Alfalfa hay is great in winter, and alfalfa pellets waste less, but alfalfa is high in protein and calcium. For adult pets who are not growing or nursing, it can be too much as the only hay source. Orchard grass, timothy, or a mixed grass hay is usually better for everyday maintenance.
2. Texture matters
My orchard hay was long stemmed and coarse. Penned pigs are picky. If they can pull it out and sleep on it, they will. If they are using hay as bedding, it is often the wrong cut or too much is offered.
3. Dry pellets are boring
Out on pasture they had fresh, moist forage all day. A bowl of dry pellets does not compare.
What Finally Worked For Us
I did keep offering the hay and alfalfa, but I changed HOW I offered it. That made all the difference.
1. Soak and mix the pellets
We now soak a 16 percent hog grower pellet cut with a small amount of alfalfa pellets. Soaking for a few hours, or overnight, increases hydration, helps with digestibility, and decreases the chance of impaction. I use warm water in winter, let it get soft and fluffy, then stir chopped veggies right into it.
2. Chop the hay and use a rack
Instead of a big flake on the floor, I chop orchard hay into 3 to 4 inch pieces and put it in a wall mounted hay rack. Less waste, less bedding behavior, and they have to work their noses.
3. Scatter feed to trigger foraging
Kunekunes love to forage. Scattering a small handful of pellets and chopped hay in clean bedding encourages natural rooting and extends feeding time. It keeps them busy and out of trouble.
4. Veggie first, but smart veggie
You are right to do more vegetables than fruit. We stick to low starch options: leafy greens, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, green beans, and carrots in moderation. Mixing wet greens into the soaked mash gets the hay smell on everything.
5. Add enrichment, not just food
Logs, safe branches, and food puzzle balls plus scattered feed really stimulate their noses and brains. A tired pig is less likely to fixate on what is not in the bowl.
Our New Routine in the Pens
- Morning: Measured balanced pig feed plus alfalfa pellets, soaked, with chopped veggies stirred in.
- Midday: Small rack of chopped orchard grass hay, free choice. I leave it even if they ignore it. Some days they barely touch it, other days it is gone.
- Afternoon: Scatter feed handful in the pen plus fresh water check and free choice swine minerals.
Should You Just Keep Offering It?
Kind of, yes. But keep offering it in a new way. Do not increase pig feed to compensate, or they will never have a reason to try the hay. Keep portions controlled and let healthy hunger do some work.
If your pigs are maintaining weight, have good energy, and are passing well formed, fibrous manure, you are on the right track. If they lose condition or go off all feed, check in with your veterinarian.
Pen life was not our original plan, but our pigs are safe, they are healthy, and they have not figured out how to open the new gates yet. I will call that a win.
Note: This is what is working on our small farm, not veterinary advice. Every pig is different. Feed for body condition and talk to your vet if you are making big changes.