Soaking your ball python is an important part of its care.Soaking helps to keep your ball python hydrated and can help with shedding. How long you should soak your ball python depends on its age. Newborn ball pythons should be soaked for 30 minutes, 3 times a week. 1-3 month old ball pythons should be soaked for 1 hour, 3 times a week. 4-6 month old ball pythons should be soaked for 1.5 hours, 2 times a week. 7-9 month old ball pythons should be soaked for 2 hours, once a week. 10+ month old ball pythons should be soaked for 2.5 hours, once a week.