Reptile & Amphibian Forums

im 15 i go upsate ny for the summer. i live on longisland. when me and my friends go snake hunting we always catch water snakes. we go out some time at like 12 at night go to the pond as see like 50 baby water snakes swiming around. my parents say i can keep them for the summer then let them go. this will be the fist summer i do bc we go up and back evry week so i didnt take them with me.

some questions
what types are in upstate ny. how big do they get.
can i keep them i a 10 gallon tank for the summer
what should i feed them.
what substrate would dirt and like peat moss be good or aspen or cypress.
i have an extra heat lamp i thin 100w good or more.
if possible can u post some pic of the ones i might see
how come there aint a water classifid

thanks tom
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tom

1.1 bearded dragons
1.0 black rough neck monitor
0.1 ball python
1.0 black lab
0.1 dal. terrior

looking to get one of the following at the next pa narbc show on the 12th and 13th
1)1.0 columbian rt boa
2)0.1 hogg island boa
3)1.2 ackies
4)1.1 bearded dragons
5)1.3 leopard geckos
6)0.1 or 1.0 ball python het for something
7)users choice(say what it is)

>>what types are in upstate ny.

Only the Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipdeon) is native to New York.

>>how big do they get.

Males average 2-3' but females can approach 4'.

>>can i keep them i a 10 gallon tank for the summer

Adults need at least a 20 gallon but a 10 gallon would be fine for a baby.

>>what should i feed them.

Live fish and/or fish scented dead rodents.

>>what substrate would dirt and like peat moss be good or aspen or cypress.

I'd reccomend aspen or cypress. Keep it dry.

>>i have an extra heat lamp i thin 100w good or more.

Make sure it's not making the cage TOO hot. The basking area should be in the mid 80s and they should have a side of the cage that is much cooler.

>>if possible can u post some pic of the ones i might see

Go to Google.com and do an image search for 'Northern Watersnake'. You'll get plenty of photos.

>>how come there aint a water classifid

Despite their abundance and ease of care, watersnakes are not very popular pets for several reasons.

Good luck with catching one and let us know how it does for you.
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Pierson Hill

Herpetology and Herpetoculture