Adolescence and aggression in 2 appleyards - new normal or temporary phase?

[Buffbrahmabantam]

I would love advice from experienced duck owners. We have 2 female silver appleyards that are 12 weeks old. They have started to get aggressive with our resident flock of 5 chickens (range from 1-4 years old). When the chickens get within 5 ft or so of the ducks, the ducks do this bill-gaping-display with neck outstretched, and even chasing the chickens a little (hissing sometimes), and keeping the chickens from food at times. I've noticed this behavior increasing in the last week. Is this a passing adolescent phase, or the new normal? If it is a passing thing, when will these ducks settle down - and leave our chickens in peace?

They all have about 1/8 acre to roam and there are 2-3 feed and water stations scattered around, so this should not be an issue of over-crowdedness.

 

[sourland]

Teen aged ducklings can get a bit whacky sometimes. Only time will tell if they will mature out of this behavior.