Though they all live on one farm, technically, these birds are not in the same flock. If they had been, the entire fight would have been reduced to a quick feather pulling on the head should the subordinate get to uppity. They spend their days in separate groups with different roosters. There are several such groups here, their territories overlap, and it's the rooster's job to makes sure the area is clear before he takes his girls in. (by crowing, to let the Other Guys know he's in the area) There are several large open areas around the house where I either keep feeders or toss grain several times during the day, and while there might be a pick or peck, and a quick chase when all the "micro flocks" come together, there are usually no fights in these areas. It just so happens that both of these hens were the dominant hen in their groups and when their territories overlapped because I had tossed out oats, they were both made up their mind to "never give a inch". They tussled for several minutes while I went back and forth getting chores done, and they were so determined that I finally went in and got the camera. In the end, yearling hen ran off the two year old, but neither bird was hurt. Roosters that fight that long will bring blood, because they'll be grabbing each other's wattles and trying to hurt each other like cage fighting or boxing. A henfight is more like MMA, it's all about dominating and when one is beat, she "taps out" and runs off. (notice they don't grab at each other's faces, or peck at the eyes, but rather, try to pull feathers off the head)
