Northern Water Snakes

[Pittylova]

I have been looking into getting a snake for some time, however, I don't want to get anything huge (yet). I was considering just taking in a garter as I see at least 2 of them daily. I was going to wait until after winter to get a young one. However, somebody has a Northern Water Snake (wild caught) that just had 26 babies. He's offering me one or two for nothing. However, I've researched and researched but can't find any information on keeping them in captivity. Where they are native to this area I assume I should keep the snake in the conditions that are local. How big of a tank will I need? What type of lighting? How much of the tank should be water vs land? How often should they eat? Any other information would be appreciated!

I currently have the tank my anoles are in but will be moving from once my vivarium is complete. I don't know how many gallons the tank is. But it's 30" long, 12" high, and 12" deep. Would that be sufficient for any length of time? I read they can grow to be 4ft long. What would be the ideal size enclosure? I would most likely make another vivarium in the future, but use the current tank while the snake's young.

Thanks in advance!

[JohnEDove]

Yes that would be a good size to start but remember they just need a large water bowl not a tank of water. Though they do feed and hunt in water they spend a lot of time on land drying off as well as hunting rodent and amphibian prey.
I would suggest the Western New York Herpetological Society's Care Sheet as one of the best available.
http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/s...Thamnophis.pdf
Yes I know it also covers Garter and Ribbon Snakes but Nerodia sp. have the same care requirements.
As for adult enclosure size I would suggest 2 enclosure, one for each, that would be 4ft. X 2ft. X 2ft.