KUNEKUNE PIGS AT CAMP SKIPPING PIG

Welcome to Skipping Kunekunes

at Camp Skipping Pig

"NO MATTER HOW INSIGNIFICANT WHAT YOU DO MAY SEEM, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO IT"...Gandhi

 Camp Skipping Pig is an informal sanctuary/rescue for unwanted pet pigs. Our pigs have arrived from many differing situations and for many reasons. Almost all were in dire need of a new home before they arrived, and all have been welcomed, even after I'd exceeded my self-imposed limit many times over. Of over 50 pigs, only a very few were actually purchased...about half are rescued potbellies who were no longer wanted, or their people moved, divorced, and couldn't or wouldn't take responsibility for them. Some are here due to financial, emotional or health issues of their former owner(s). I'm always saddened and amazed how once beloved pigs are quickly forgotten and never checked on by their former people. Of all our pigs, only two owners ever contact us to check on their pig(s), contribute to their care or donate blankets. Every pig has a story and many will be shared with you on this site. All of our pigs are loved and appreciated, no matter their breed, disposition or history.  Some have sad stories, but happy endings, and we'll do our best to keep it that way.  We are not a non-profit, though we are VERY non-profit! My hope is to make this site interesting, informative, educational, and a resource for pet pig owners and "wanna-be" owners. Some of our rescued pig photos (Swilbur, Jack & Jill) may be disturbing to view, but they paint an honest picture of what happens when the wrong people own or breed pigs for pets. Some may not agree with my views, but I'm hoping others will take this information and begin a trend of standing up to irresponsible breeders and standing up for the innocent and hapless pigs they produce. Just as there are puppy mills, there are people mass producing and irresponsibly breeding miniature pigs. They give the responsible breeders a bad name, and buyers should beware and deal only with a breeder who is trustworthy and demonstrates that he/she truly cares about the pigs. Do not spend your money on a "micro mini " or "tea cup" pig!!! They don't exist!!! Look at the pictures on the sites promoting them! They're tiny babies, with very "baby-like" features.  Some still have the umbilical cord stump. Do they ever show an adult? NO! An adult "tea cup" or "micro-mini" would look like an adult of normal size...same features, just much smaller. Please DON'T  buy into the myth that a potbellied pig will be 35 pounds at maturity! It won't!! We have several "micro-mini" rescues that are a healthy 130 pounds or more. And when yours  gets "too big" for your taste, you'll probably expect someone else to give it a home. There just aren't enough homes out there for the number of pet pigs being produced and sold to anyone that comes down the road. Your pig can grow for 3-5 YEARS! Be a responsible person and educate yourself before buying or adopting a pet pig into your home. Learn all you can about their needs, temperaments, behaviors, sizes, illnesses and more. Find a vet BEFORE getting a pig and know that you can afford its medical care. Don't get a pig on an impulse! And don't ever buy from a breeder who doesn't inquire as to your ability to care for, house, and provide a permanent home for the pig. Those breeders are in it only for the money. There are countless pigs available and needing homes. There will certainly be one available AFTER you've done your homework and prepared yourself for life as a pig "parent". As "they" say, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.                                                                       'Cilla

  As a pig lover, I was doing some research on the Internet and accidently "discovered" the Kunekune pigs. One look at the first photo and I was hooked...the Kunekune was on my "gotta get me one" list!   After a four year search and wait, our first Kunekune pig joined us July 15, 2006. I'd spent my time researching the breed and awaiting the chance to have one join our already considerable porcine population, and Ahurei's arrival and subsequent move into the house provided an opportunity to witness first hand the differences between the Kunekunes and the ever popular potbellied pigs. Often high strung and temperamental, the potbellies are frequently not the "perfect" pet many breeders make them out to be. No animal is a perfect pet for everyone, but the easy going, sweet temperament of the Kunekunes make this very rare breed a better match for most would-be pet pig owners than many potbellies will. As much as I adore my potbellied friends, I feel they are terribly over-bred, inbred, misrepresented (esp. size), misused and abused, misunderstood, and too readily available as an impulse purchase for ill prepared people who think they should have a pet pig. As a result, countless potbellies meet tragic and cruel ends, and the existing rescues, sanctuaries and SPCAs are overwhelmed and unable to help the innumerable pigs in need. My goal with this website is to provide honest, useful information about both special breeds, promote the Kunekune pig as a pet pig for responsible, caring, capable homes, and to see this rare  breed preserved and appreciated as a pet, never pork. Read the stories of some of our rescues and learn a bit about both breeds as you consider if a pet pig might truly be the pet you've been waiting for. Be honest with yourself about your ability to house and care for a pet pig before you make the commitment, because rehoming an adult pig is almost  always impossible. Most often pet pigs are abandoned at about two years old or once they reach their full size and are no longer "cute" in the owner's eyes. If you love pigs but are unable to have one of your own, please consider sponsoring one or two at a rescue or helping a local SPCA prepare an area to house and care for unwanted pet pigs. If you live near a rescue, almost certainly your help would be appreciated for a day or two a month. There are always stalls  and pens to clean, fences to build and mend, general maintenance work, and at the very least belly rubs to give. The rescues need all the help they can get and there are many to choose from! Donations ranging from financial to treats and food to lumber and individual talents are always appreciated! Even a roll of stamps or old towels and blankets are a help. If you do decide to purchase a pet pig, please be sure to do so from a reputable breeder or adopt from a rescue, and do not support the many "backyard breeders" who are in it for the money, not the love of the pigs. Too often their piglets are inbred and unhealthy (read Jack and Jill's story), and they're willing to sell to anyone who puts up the money without researching the prospective home first. Please consider adopting a pig from a rescue. If you can manage two and are determined to buy a baby, please think about adopting a companion pig from a sanctuary. Two is better than one. In addition, BE VERY SUSPICIOUS of any breeder promoting "micro mini" pigs. There is no such thing! If you pay attention, they don't show photos of adults, only adorable babies. Beware of breeders who don't care enough about their pigs to ask for references or take the initiative to check out prospective buyers. Before you buy, do your research and know what you're getting into! Pigs are wonderful, intelligent, affectionate and sensitive creatures, but not an ideal pet for everyone. Don't find out too late for yourself and the pig that it's not a good match for you!

  Ahurei, Kunekune                      Alix & Dawn                               Tuffy and Nimrod, Kunekunes 

kunekune pigs kunekune pigs kunekune pigs kunekune pigs kunekune pigs kunekune pigs kunekune pigs

rescue pigs rescue pigs rescue pigs rescue pigs rescue pigs rescue pigs rescue pigs rescue pigs rescue pigs