Ok now don't laugh at me but......

[shanniboo402]

I know my chickens have have ears and a feather covered flap that protects the hole

 

[ducklover87]

They do have ears but like you I didn't really pay attention until idk it just hit me I guess. I was petting one of my ducklings on the head and side of the face and it would just kinda look at me when I pet it in a certain place then I realized its probably the ducks ear! So now I steer clear of that area just because I'm sure my little pettings are somewhat like holding your hand over your ear then removing it. Very interesting though when you think about it