How long do Reindeer live?
Reindeer live about 10–15 years in managed herds and up to 18 in captivity. Calves are born after a roughly 225-day gestation, almost always singletons in late spring, and must stand and nurse within hours in the wild-type pattern. Males carry antlers that are shed and regrown annually (velvet antler is harvested on some farms). Their cold-adapted biology means a long, cold life is the baseline — heat shortens it sharply.
What do Reindeer need?
Reindeer are adapted to lichens, especially in winter when they seek carbohydrate-rich ground and tree lichens; a captive herd needs lichen or a formulated ration plus grass/forage and a mineral mix. They require cold, dry air and deep-snow tolerance, and in summer need parasite control for warble fly larvae (under the skin) and nasal bot flies. They need clean water, shelter from extreme wind, and a vet familiar with cervids for antler velvet, parasitics and calving.
Reindeer housing and setup
Reindeer need a large, cold-climate enclosure with strong woven-wire or high fencing (they jump and are escape-prone), shelter from wind and flies, and well-drained, non-muddy footing to protect their hooves. Deep bedding helps in winter. They do poorly in warm, humid regions — any site with hot summers needs active cooling and shade that most cannot sustain. Local ordinances typically treat reindeer as exotic or big-game and require permits.
Common mistakes with Reindeer
Top errors: keeping them in warm climates (heat stress is often fatal — reindeer are Arctic specialists); inadequate lichen/winter diet (starvation and poor condition follow); missing summer parasite control (warble and bot flies cause serious damage); and weak fencing (escape-prone animals). As with other exotics, failing to confirm permits and a cervid vet beforehand ends the enterprise.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Warm climate — reindeer are Arctic specialists; heat stress is frequently fatal outside cold regions.
- No lichen/winter ration — they depend on lichens in winter; a standard hay diet leaves them starved.
- Skipping summer parasite control — warble and nasal bot flies cause serious damage without a program.
- Weak fencing and no permits — reindeer jump and are regulated as exotic; plan both first.