Girls dustbathing and roo behavior

[LesGan]

I observed today a hen and rooster behavior during dust bathing that I had not seen before. My roo went to each of his 3 girls while they were on their stomachs in the dirt, stood very close to them, put his head down like he was going to kiss them on the cheek and just held that position for maybe 5-10 seconds. Roo would then gently "peck" them on the head or back. The hens stayed absolutely still and did not look at the roo. What was going on?

 

[faykokoWV]

that would be dominating behavior. Dogs do the same thing. The hens are holding still as a form of submission. I don't know about chickens, but I don't allow my dogs to do this and if I ever saw a roo doing it... well, I think that would be time to remind him he's not the top dog.. I am.