Have a few questions about heritage pigs

[trunkman]

I'm interested in getting a couple of pigs, I'd like a heritage breed that doesn't get huge, preferably a breed that doesn't grow to be over 4 or 5 hundred pounds at full maturity. I'd also like a breeding pair and am wondering if getting a male and female from the same litter is a bad idea or should I get a pair from different parents. Sorry about my ignorance, I know I can keep them healthy and happy but just don't know anything about breeding.

 

[DaisyMeadow]

I have also looked into heritage pigs quite a bit. I have not yet taken the plunge and bought any, but I think I am most interested in the Kunekune. They are heritage and smaller, you might want to look into them yourself. Best of luck with your research. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunekune

 

[trunkman]

Thanks Daisy. Kune Kune are at the top of my list, I really don't want huge pigs, just big enough for my wife and I. I want to breed once a year and sell the extra piglets.

 

[Moochie]

Be extra careful, there are plenty of liars in the pig breeding world. I was just looking for an average pot bellied baby that I could trade 4 ducks and pair of turkeys for and all I get are people saying "oh buy my mini pig $300 OBO" ... I can get a full grown hog for that price from an auction or random farmer. Anyways mini, nano, teacup, pixie, etc are not a real breed and if the breeder doesn't know the actual breed of their pigs I would stay away from them. Some pig breeders breed way too young also, pigs keep growing for like 5 years, Vietnamese pot bellied pigs, the ones sold as "teacups" do not stay 20-40lbs as some breeders claim. Some breeders also starve their pigs, only giving them 1/4 cup of feed once in the morning and once in the evening. They normally advertise the piglets at 1 day old too. Be very wary of these kinds of breeders.
There are a lot of people who claim to have Kune Kune pigs but they also use the words mini, nano, pixie, and Juliani. The Juliani is a real breed but they shouldn't be mixed up with foney-baloney names.. When you meet a good breeder ask to see their breeding stock and to see the pigs older than 3-5 years. If they refuse move on because that would indicate they are hiding something. Just be careful and do not buy from bad breeders. These sites will help you:
http://lilorphanhammies.org/
http://www.rarebreeds.co.nz/arapawapigs-bs.html
http://www.minipigs.dk/
http://albc-usa.org/cpl/guinea.html
http://www.julianapig.com/
https://sites.google.com/site/americankunekunebreeders/Home/kunekune-pigs
http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/Ossabaw.html
http://www.sinclairbioresources.com/Products/Yucatan.aspx
And the pig that is actually over bred to fill yucky peoples' pockets with cash http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/swine/vietnamesepotbelly/index.htm

 

[SWFkunekune]

We have Kunekune breed of pigs. Our biggest boar, "Friend" is about 250 lbs at 2 years old. He is gentle enough that my 6 year old handles and pets him every day. We have a sow at almost 2 years that is about 100 lbs. That is the range of size. Kunekune are very personable and trainable. For more about the breed and to see our stock visit www.lancastercountykunekune.com