CAMP SKIPPING PIG  SANCTUARY

 Tyson and Amali arrived as rescues. Upon arrival at a central New York Sanctuary they were treated for mange and fire ant bites. About a month later they came home to us, along with their friend Rooty. These wonderful pigs are Red Wattle hogs and the coloring can range from red to black. Once numerous, the breed declined to just over 40 individuals divided among six breeders. They are now making a comeback. Amali, the red female, and Tyson, the black male, are extremely affectionate and seek out attention. As adults they may weigh between 600 and 800 pounds, possibly more. This might get interesting as they grow because I've found that if  I'm squatting and petting another pig, Amali and Tyson are apt to climb on my back for attention. Tyson has an interesting behavior. When I walk thru their lot with a bucket he assumes what's in it must be for him. Because it's not, I continue walking. He then tries to block me, but when that fails and I continue my progress, he'll grab the laces on my boot and pin my foot to the ground to stop me in my tracks.

  

Amali is the female. In this photo she's about four months old.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tyson...black boy, Amali's brother

 

 

 

We'd be interested to know if the ear tags are common on these pigs. Amali has a matching pair and Tyson has just one. I've not been able to find any information on the ear tags.

 A visiting veterinarian from New Zealand commented that sometimes the Kunekunes will have these same ear tags. They're apparently associated with the gene that gives them the tassels.