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To have the antlers at all and the size thereof that are often depicted in Christmas pictures, They're all female. And quite old ones at that, mothering age. You of course can believe whatever you want, but real male reindeer shed their antlers during the winter, while female reindeer keep them all year long.

the female reindeers are does and they have no antlers

the male reindeers have antlers

Not necessarily. It seems more likely that the reindeer Santa uses are castrated males, also known as steers.

Bucks spend most of their time before Christmas fighting other bucks for breeding rights, and then can mate with up to a dozen does, which would exhaust them, and during that time they lose their antlers. Does will be pregnent with calves during December and would need to use all their time and energy to insure their calves get enough nutrients to be born in a healthy state. Pulling a sleigh across the world in one night wouldn't be the best way to insure a healthy calf. Steers on the otherhand, would keep their weight, size, antlers, and a gentle temperment which would make it easier for a smooth rider.

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8y ago

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