do you know anything about Lukes... love your informative blog!!!
Lukes originate from Wales and are a common or garden species in much of the UK, one seen so often in the wild that they are often considered pests. What a disservice this does to this wonderful species, as anyone who has ever kept a Luke will tell you!
One of the most capable foraging species, Lukes are true omnivores. They will opportunistically catch prey, and especially enjoy eggs, but supplement this by consuming a wide variety of plants. This is one reason that they have sadly gained such a reputation for notoriety, as aggrieved garden-lovers object to a passing Luke snacking on their flowers. This can easily be averted by devoting a subsection of your garden to plants wild Lukes will enjoy much more! They will not eat your roses out of choice, but only because there is a lack of anything more to their liking.
Gregarious by nature, wild Lukes live in colonies which can number up to two hundred members. A Luke should never be kept alone, but needs at least two to three mates or bonded companions. They are a lowland species by origin, however across the UK there is very little competition in the niche Lukes fill, resulting in a recent population boom. Scientists have begun spotting wild Lukes on low hills and even the bottom slopes of mountains, so it appears to be a time of great diversification for the species.
Lukes in captivity require a large enclosure, similar in size to that of a Wout, and with enough depth for digging. Unlike A Tibor or Mads, Lukes do not dig themselves burrows, but wild Lukes will bury prey in order to come back and feed on it later. In captivity, where your Luke does not have to worry about the availability of his next meal, this is usually a form of play.
Enclosures designed for Lukes contain a specialist sandpit area, which will allow your Luke to dig to his heart's content. Most prefer to produce wide, shallow pits surrounding a large central heap of sand, perfect for your Luke to climb triumphantly before being offered plenty of praise and petting for his efforts. Although sand is the usual choice of digging material, being ideal for maintaining healthy feet and claws, some Lukes do suffer from allergies. If this is the case, specialist stores offer alternatives such as the 'quiet sand' beloved of Tibor-keepers who do not enjoy the sound of digging at 02h00.
Geraints are the most popular choice of bonded companion for Lukes, both originating in Wales, however Lukes are an easy-going species compatible with most others. The only exceptions are true aquatic species and those which fly, as while some Lukes may come to enjoy swimming, they do not hunt in the water. Do bear in mind that Lukes are one of the "chatty" species! This makes them excellent companions for other more vocal species, such as the Remco.
With a keen sense of smell, Lukes adore games which allow them to exercise this skill. Try hiding some favourite treats around a room in your house, and watch as your Luke eagerly searches them all out! Eggs are valued especially highly, but think ahead and put down a plastic mat underneath the hiding place if you don't want your Luke dripping raw egg all over your carpet!
Supervised outdoor time should be offered daily, and Lukes thrive on regular social meetups. Their outgoing nature makes them favourites at public parks, yet they have the sensitivity not to overwhelm quieter species, which many do not. Lukes are vastly underrated in their own home country, but as keepers around the world will tell you, there is so much to love about them!
