Oh, you thought your giant hens were too big to squeeze through that tiny hole. That's adorable. Really. We've all been there, cutting what we *think* is a clever little escape route for the babies, only to watch a full-sized Brahma ooze through it like a feathered puddle of determination. It's not your fault. Chickens are basically liquid when they want to be, and yours have clearly mastered the art of fowl Houdini.
Let's talk about that Brahma. You're watching her peck the pullets and wondering if this is normal pecking-order stuff or something meaner. Here's the thing: a little pecking is part of the dance. Chickens are tiny dinosaurs with social anxiety, and they need to figure out who's boss. But there's a difference between a quick "hey, I'm the boss here" peck and a relentless chase that leaves the babies stressed and bleeding. You've got video, watch for the body language. If the pullets can walk away, eat, and dust bathe without constant harassment, you're probably fine. If the Brahma is single-mindedly targeting one bird and won't let up, that's bullying, not hierarchy.
Your instinct to close off the hole and give them more side-by-side time is smart. It's not a failure, it's a strategic retreat. You're not chickening out; you're being patient. Those extra few weeks of fence-line introductions let everyone get used to each other without the stress of shared space. And honestly? The EE being fine but the Brahma being a jerk is classic hen behavior. Sometimes one bird just has a personality that takes longer to warm up. You can't force a friendship, but you can create the conditions for one.
Don't beat yourself up over the gate mishap. You tried a clever solution, and the universe laughed at you. That's chickens. What matters now is that you're paying close attention and adjusting your plan. Bring the babies back inside tonight, keep them side by side for a couple more weeks, and when you try again, maybe make that hole even smaller, or watch the big girls during the first few introductions. Your flock will figure it out. It just might take a little more time and a lot less fowl play.