A Classic Joke Comes to Life: Confused Chicken Ends up at Buffalo Wild Wings

It's the punchline that's launched a thousand dad jokes: Why did the chicken cross the road? In Des Moines, Iowa, we finally got an answer — to grab some wings?

Earlier this week, a real-life poultry predicament played out in front of a Buffalo Wild Wings on SE 14th Street, when a wayward hen was spotted pecking around the entrance. Staff and patrons at the popular sports bar chain were left bewildered as the clucker wandered closer to the fryer than any chicken should ever dare.

The Cluck That Shocked Des Moines

According to the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Iowa, a good Samaritan alerted them to the feathered visitor outside the restaurant — a place famous for its 21 signature sauces and a menu built almost entirely on chicken wings. The ARL, the state's largest nonprofit animal shelter, quickly dispatched an animal services officer to the scene.

The organization shared a lighthearted update about the incident on Facebook, joking, according to the New York Post, "WHAT THE CLUCK? Talk about a chicken on the wrong side of the road." Photos show the officer skillfully chasing down the hen around the parking lot before finally scooping her up to safety.

Too Close to the Deep Fryer

Despite the comical nature of the encounter, there was real concern for the bird's wellbeing. Luckily, an ARL Animal Services officer was called to rescue this poor, confused hen from in front of Buffalo Wild Wings... before she ended up being dipped in one of their 21 sauces.

While no one knows exactly how the chicken got there — a rogue escape from a nearby home, perhaps, or a barnyard prank gone rogue — what's clear is that she came dangerously close to becoming a literal joke.

Not on the Menu

Thankfully, the hen is now safe and receiving care from the ARL. She isn't available for adoption yet, but the organization used the opportunity to highlight their chicken adoption program. They reminded followers that while this particular bird isn't ready for a new home, plenty of other barnyard buddies are waiting for loving families.

"All animals are adopted out as family pets," ARL clarified, according to the New York Post, ensuring no one mistook the story as a hint at adding homegrown hens to the dinner table.

A Viral Wing Moment

The moment sparked chuckles online. According to the New York Post, one ARL team member suggesting the name "Choses" — a blend of "chicken" and "Moses" — for the bold bird. And while the hen didn't cluck a word about her motives, her stroll into Buffalo Wild Wings likely saved her from joining the chain's 2.4 million daily wing count.

A Clucking Good Message

This poultry incident may seem like a passing bit of fluff, but it carries a clucking good message: even a wayward hen deserves a second chance — preferably far from the fryer.

So, the next time you hear a chicken crossed the road, don't just laugh. Maybe it was looking for something more... or less. Just be glad this one didn't make it inside for happy hour.

References: Confused chicken crosses to the wrong side of road, ends up at a Buffalo Wild Wings | 'Confused' hen rescued outside of a Buffalo Wild Wings