Second bonding session-gradual approach

[Tophshake]

I have two mini lops-around two years of age and both neutered males. I have had Topher for 6 months and Milkshake for 4 weeks. Topher is free ranged so we have been switching them in the enclosure while keeping the other in the same room free. I do this equal times every day for two weeks. Yesterday I bonded for 30 min it’s initial nipping but I prevented them from getting to close out of fear. They laid 2 ft apart grinding teeth and ate at the same time along with grooming. Today it was for an hour and Topher flopped, both ate, chattering teeth while being groomed by me, and falling asleep. When they approached they seemed to nip but wasn’t sure as I got nervous. Sometimes they at about 2 ft away without me in the middle. Am I doing this right??? And are these good signs?

[Tophshake]

Today my 7 year old daughter forgot to close the enclosure and Topher got out. I heard, what sounded like a tramped of elephants and suddenly realized what had happened. I immediately ran upstairs to see Milkshake under the bed and Topher lying down across from the bed. There was a lot of fur everywhere, but no blood. I checked for wounds but did not find any. This all happened after I had a 30 minute successful bonding session where I put them together between my legs and massaged them both. There was initial nipping or biting (unsure). Tonight I found Topher sniffing Milkshake and laying parallel with his bottom next to Milkshake along the cage. My question is should I continue with the bonding sessions or give it a break and am I doing this correctly. When either get to close they either nip or bite and I quickly intervene. Can anyone help me. Not sure how to proceed and whether I’m reading the situation correctly. Thank you!

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