How to Build Reindeer Shelters

Reindeer shelters do not need to be high tech. Reindeer are easy to tame, quick to herd and require little maintenance. When herding, they circle counter-clockwise. Tame herds of reindeer are common in Alaska and Russia. In some cases, reindeer are restrained with drugs that immobilize them but this is not necessary since reindeer require very little effort to maintain them and shelters are of basic construction.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plywood
• 2" x 4"s

1. Construct a large pen to hold your herd of reindeer. If reindeer are startled, they will typically return to their pens.

2. Design an alleyway from the large pen to the barn. Reindeer will develop a habit of movement from the pen to the barn.

3. Build the frame of the shelter with 2" x 4"s and then put the roof on. Reindeer are naturally wild animals that spook easily. Each stall needs to give the reindeer room to move around. Remember their antlers are large and wide.

4. Anticipate the needs of your reindeer. Reindeer will grow into their rack and will need room in front of them so they may eat comfortably.

5. Make the barn out of solid sheets of plywood 6 to 8 feet high to prevent reindeer from scaling the walls. Reindeer can jump a vertical fence 8 feet high.

6. Create an area of the barn for calves and new mothers that is larger than the stalls or pens you have built for the other reindeer.

Tips & Warnings

• Reindeer have a natural ability to survive in the wild.
• The crudest of shelters are fine—your building doesn't have to be a palace.
• Reindeer scare easily. Make sure the alley between the pen and the shelter is safe.

Resources

• Direct commentary for those interested in raising reindeer.
• Separates truth from myth regarding reindeer.