I only have 2 buns which we bonded – so not an expert….but I’m not sure I would switch their cages – especially since she’s being so aggressive/possessive over her cage. If you’ve only had him for a few days – it may be too early to start the bonding sessions. I’d suggest taking baby steps – like giving them both stuffed animals – and switching the stuffed animals to get used to each others scents,,,,,and maybe switch their litter boxes. You may also want to make sure that she can’t get too close to his cage, or vice versa – as you don’t want her to bite him through the cage.

With my buns – when I moved baby Boo’s Xpen into the living room (2 months after we got him – and they’d been able to see each other through the baby gates), Baxter went berserk – because he saw the living room as his territory. Baxter was always a free range bun. Fortunately, after a few days – he learned to tolerate the baby in the living room. And we just kept expanding the baby’s space little at a time – and then we moved forward with the bonding sessions, after the baby grew up and could defend himself.

But lots of others have had no issues putting the cages near each other.

Best of luck to you! I know this can be a very stressful time…but so worth it once they become friends.

Also if she is getting frustrated that he won’t groom her you can do a trick by putting a small plop of apple sauce or a slice of banana on her head and as he is licking it off she thinks he is grooming her.

I would decline from switching their cages back and forth as it seems to be increasing her aggression to the other rabbit which is the opposite of what you are hoping for – she is becoming increasingly territorial which is not okay for the bonding.

Instead do simple things – sprinkle some of his used litter into her box, as Baxter suggested you can use a towel or stuffed animal in each bunny cage and then swamp them back and forth every day. This will help her become used to the scent but also allows her to take her aggression out on the towel or stuffed animal rather than the other bunny. Some rabbits are much more sensitive and the big jump to a full area with his scent could definitely be causing her agitation.

Allowing each bunny to be anywhere near the others cage (if causing aggression) is a big no-no in bonding so don’t let the other have access yet as it will only increase her aggression and agitation.

If you are worried about bonding more because of her aggression – try stress bonding. A lot of people like to use the bath tub although I’ve personally never had much success with it. The slippery floor and new area will stress them both out. Sounds mean but is VERY good for bonding as they will use their natural instincts to come together as a group in a stressful situation. Hence, helping them bond. Another thing you can do is put them in a laundry basket or box – drag them around the house in it and shake and bang on the box. It will freak them out, put them on edge, and help teach them they can trust the other bunny in scary and stressful situations.

The humping and demanding to be groomed are signs that the new bun wants to be dominant. Stella is not accepting of this, which is understandable since this new bun was brought to her house. I think all of the above suggestions are good ones. Also, since the new bun has only been neutered for 2 weeks, it would probably be better to wait a few more weeks to allow that hormone surge to subside.