Fat and Sassy Kunekune Pigs

Reader Contribution by Laura Berlage and North Star Homestead Farms
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“Laura!” Kara calls from the south wing of the 1919 Gambrel barn this morning.  “Come here and hold a pig.” 

Deloris, one of our black-and-white heritage Kunekune sows had just farrowed (had babies) last Sunday, and the little porkers needed their iron shots to stay healthy.  Stepping into the barn beside her straw-festooned pen, I was greeted by a chubby little girl piglet, ready for me to hold, her tiny trotters waving in the air looking for a footing that wasn’t there.

I put my gloved hands around the chunky little rib cage to give her support while she waited her turn, blinking at how different her little world looked from this chest-high perspective.  The tiny trotters continued to bat the air, cloven toes splayed, but she offered no squeals or squeaks.  The black and white spotted-ness of her silky coat showed the little brown racing stripes along the back that will only stay while they’re little—camouflage remnants of the New Zealand breed’s wild ancestry.

Kara tipped a red-and-black spotted boy over while Mom administered the dose of iron with her practiced physician precision.  Just a little squealing and squirming and then it was over.  The little one was returned to its momma, who paid no heed to the over-dramatization of her son to the necessary process.

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