Monday, 17 March 2014

Happy Pigs!

Posted by Rosie

Peardrop - a Very happy Pig

Meet Peardrop.  Well meet Peardrop's nose!

Peardrop is one of our Kune Kune pigs and this, believe it or not she is a very happy Peardrop.  Kune Kune pigs are a New Zealand Maori breed of pig who, unlike other breeds who will dig for roots rather than graze, actually prefer to graze grass.   However in the winter we don't leave our pigs out as there is not enough grass for them to eat and their feet quickly make a muddy mess of the fields. (Large foot to body weight ratio!)

More Happy Pigs!
They spend the winter in the barn fed on concentrates and carrots etc waiting for Spring to return.  It won't be long now before they can go out in the fields and enjoy grazing once more.  In the meantime the grass in places like the chicken runs needs mowing and guess who gets the cuttings?  Yup - the pigs and they love them.  Which is why you have a picture of Peardrop Pig, all green and grassy after eating her dinner!

Kune Kune's are also one of the friendliest breeds of pigs around and they love being made a fuss of.  They love nothing more than have a back scratch or a tummy tickle!  It's great that our guests can get so close to these animals and makes for some very "Magic Moments"!

 
Tickling Piggies!



SuperBusyMum

38 comments :

  1. Rosie, Peardrop is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing this magic moments post :-)

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    1. Most people who meet Peardrop agree she is gorgeous! And she is :)

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  2. They are so sweet! I've always liked pigs and this breed looks perfect.

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    1. You are right Phoebe and perfect for us as gite owners. They are naughty though and do get out from time to time although they never go far. I even found Peardrop's mother in the kitchen once!!

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  3. This is amazing! What an idyllic life! xx #magicmoments

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    1. Thank you - often idyllic yes, but today I have 2 pig pens to clean out!

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  4. So cute! I esp love the photo wherein they are in the middle of flowery grass!

    Truly magical moment!

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    1. First day out on the grass after a winter in is always a very special day for the pigs!

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  5. They do look lovely and full of character :)

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    1. And naughty too - I found one once in the kitchen!

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  6. Shouldn't that be small foot to weight ratio?

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    1. Could be, although I write it as there is a large ratio between the size of their feet and their weight ;)

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  7. Peardrop is awesome, what a brilliant pig! I love both those photos, they all look like really happy pigs though. And super friendly too. Thank you for sharing with #whatsthestory

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    1. They really are the most friendly pigs I know - you should come and see them for real sometime!

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  8. Awww I love these piggies! They are so cute!! Thank you for sharing them, I've been feeling a bit 'meh' today after a dramatic weekend and that little piggy snout has really cheered me up! :) xx #whatsthestory

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    1. Excellent - I will let my porcine friends know they have acted in the important job of making some-one feel less "meh" :)

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  9. What a little cutie she is. My son loved that photo of her snout! #magicmoments

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  10. They are adorable :) #WhatstheStory

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    1. Aren't they - although naughty too! Escapology is their middle name!

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  11. They look wonderful and haven't even turned their field into a mud soup yet! Pigs are always popular and such friendly animals.

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    1. I think Kune Kunes are the most friendly breed - and don't churn up the fields!

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  12. Aww what great pictures! I love pigs! The gites look great too. #magicmoments

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    1. Thank you - if only we slept more you could come and visit.

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  13. Oh they are absolutely gorgeous :) Thank you so much for linking to Magic Moments x

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  14. Cute piggy, looks like they are enjoying the good life! :)
    #MMWBH

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  15. Your pigs look really happy and well looked after! x Mel #MagicMoments

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  16. Very informative post. More of this please , #MMWBH

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  17. Ever since reading Charlotte's Web, I've always wanted a pig! x

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  18. Pigs!!! Man pigs are awesome aren't they! Ever since I studied animal science I have had this weird dream of being a pig farmer, lol. Pear drop is gorgeous (as is hee nose) and you guys have the most beautiful life, gorgeous photos. Thanks so much for linking up to the #madmidweekbloghop

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