Mean rooster or just pecking order?

[OurSufficientLife]

We were out setting up our nest boxes, and of course all the chickens wanted to be in the coop checking it out. I happened to catch on video this behavior of one of our Jersey Giant roosters toward our Cochin rooster. This looks really mean Is it a badly behaving rooster or just establishing pecking order? Our chickens are about 17 weeks old.
Looks like a video will not upload - here are some still shots. Our Cochin was laying down, and the Jersey came up behind and just jumped on top of him. After quite a bit of struggling, squawking and screaming he got off. Hope it uploads in order.

 

[sourland]

He may have been trying to breed what he regarded as an easy target.

 

[JustBabyMargo]

Poor buddy.

 

[User105877]

They almost always sort it out if given time.

 

[Brooks_]

How many cockerels to how many pullets do you have?

 

[OurSufficientLife]

How many cockerels to how many pullets do you have?

We have 5 roosters currently and 23 hens, but planning to downsize to 3 roosters in next week or so. Perhaps that Jersey will be the first one roasting in the oven.

 

[Brooks_]

We have 5 roosters currently and 23 hens, but planning to downsize to 3 roosters in next week or so. Perhaps that Jersey will be the first one roasting in the oven.

Do just start with one, watch behavior then repeat.

 

[Albert the Saxony]

We have 5 roosters currently and 23 hens, but planning to downsize to 3 roosters in next week or so. Perhaps that Jersey will be the first one roasting in the oven.

That sounds like a good idea, although having 5 roosters to 23 hens doesn’t sound like too bad of a ratio. Might take out your roosters one at a time and watch.

Best of wishes friend!