Fun Facts on Reindeer

How long do Reindeer live?

Reindeer live about 15 years on average but have been known to live 20 years.

What is the average size of Reindeer?

Females typically stand 3-1/2 feet at the shoulder and weigh from 150 to 260 lbs on average but can run up to 350 lbs.  The males tend to be larger, usually weighing from 350 to 400 and can weigh up to 500 lbs.

I thought only male Reindeer had antlers?

In the Reindeer family, both male and female produce antlers. The male's antlers fall off in the winter around the beginning of December. The females lose their antlers around the end of January thru March. It only takes a short time for them to grow those massive racks! Even the babies start growing antlers right away!

What do Reindeer eat?

Reindeer have a very delicate digestive system. It is very easy for them to get sick if they eat something that doesn’t agree with them. They eat alfalfa hay, Reindeer feed, apples as a treat and they LOVE raisins!! So on Christmas Eve, when you leave cookies for Santa, don’t forget a small dish of raisins for the Reindeer.

How fast can Reindeer run?

The caribou of North America can run at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour!

Do Reindeer really fly?

Santa is the only one with the magic dust to do that. We are just the training camp, so the Reindeer are in great shape for that long night of flying on Christmas Eve.