Be careful keeping them in pairs long term...cannibalism is a not infrequent occurrence. Also, they seem to feed better when kept singly.
I introduce males every two months and gauge the reactions of both snakes. The male will usually try to copulate immediately and the female will flee. If she's receptive she'll stop in a few minutes and let the male do his thing. If not receptive she'll slowly "wag" her tail which seems to indicate to the male to back off.
I have 16 Mangroves and can "safely" handle none of them. They are usually ok during the day but once "spooked" all bets are off! You'll never know exactly what it is that spooks them.
Most bites are a defensive bite and they'd really need to chew on you for sometime to get a hot bite. I've been bitten twice w/no ill effects. I have B.D. Dendros, Melanota, and Gemmicinta and the Gemmicinta are by far the nastiest.
Bill

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