05/01/2026
Being first-time Kunekune pig breeders has definitely been a learning experience for my husband and I! Yesterday we stepped outside our comfort zone and learned how to give the piglets their iron shots and clip their tiny baby teeth.
Piglets are born with very low iron stores, and sow’s milk doesn’t provide enough iron for their rapid growth. Without supplementation, they can become weak, pale, and anemic. Giving iron shots helps them stay healthy, strong, and grow properly.
Clipping their sharp little needle teeth is also important because piglets are born with very pointed teeth that can injure their littermates while competing to nurse, and they can also scratch mom while nursing. Trimming those tips helps protect everyone and makes feeding time easier.
It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but we’re so thankful for our local vet Sierra Oaks Veterinary Services who guided us through everything over text and helped give us the confidence we needed.
Raising these little ones has already taught us so much, and we know there’s still plenty more to learn. We’re excited for this journey and grateful for all the support along the way! 🐷💕
