What is it?

[MalMom]

Fir off, I don't know where exactly to post this, so I hope I'm in the right spot. Second, this is a REALLY dumb question. I'm really embarrassed to even ask it, but my curiosity is getting the better of me. So here it is...

On a chickens face, behind the little round puff of feathers that I think are the ears there is a patch of skin. What is it? I swear sometimes it looks like a bag that is holding something in it. Other times it looks like a deflated balloon all stretched out. Does anyone even know what I'm talking about? Does it have a name, or a purpose? Why does it look like it's full sometimes, and other times it looks empty?

 

[mommy of two]

Everyone calls it an ear lobe, not sure that it looks like one though. I think it may swell or expand with temperature but that is just my guess.

 

[MalMom]

Thanks!

 

[americaunus]

I think you are referring to the earlobe, as MOT stated. I looked it up in the "The Illustrated Guide to Chickens," by Celia Lewis. Ha! Even has a forward by the Prince of Wales!!