Key Takeaways

• A loose chicken sneaked into a stored subway car
• The subway chicken rode the N train all the way to Coney Island
• Transit workers spotted and safely removed the bird before service
• Officials plan to find a safe home for the adventurous chicken

A surprising passenger made headlines Thursday morning when a subway chicken boarded an idle N train. Workers found the bird in a storage car at a depot. Without a ticket, the subway chicken clucked its way straight to Coney Island. Luckily, no one got hurt, and the crew saved the day.

How the Subway Chicken Made It Onboard

First, the chicken roamed near an open depot gate. Next, it slipped into a parked train car. Since the train was not in service, no one noticed right away. Then, as the train rolled toward Coney Island for cleaning, staff saw movement. They realized a runaway hen had hitched a ride.

Unexpected Passenger Causes a Cluck

The transit team froze when they saw a bird inside the cabin. At first, they thought it was a rat or pigeon. However, when the creature squawked, they knew it was a chicken. One worker joked about collecting extra carrots. Meanwhile, others moved in to trap the feathery stowaway.

Crew’s Response and Chicken Safety

Immediately, workers formed a gentle plan. They blocked off the car’s doors to keep the chicken from escaping. Then, they used gloves and a towel to catch it. They placed the bird in a secure crate. Staff checked the chicken for injuries. Fortunately, it looked healthy and calm.

Next Steps for the Subway Chicken

Now, the subway chicken awaits its fate at a local animal shelter. Workers will check for an owner. If no one claims it, the shelter will find a new home. Volunteers say the hen may live on a farm or in a backyard coop. In any case, it will get plenty of care.

Why This Story Matters

This adventure reminds us how curious animals can be. It also shows quick thinking by transit workers. Thanks to them, the subway chicken stayed safe. Moreover, riders faced no delays. Finally, the incident brightened the morning for many New Yorkers.

Lessons Learned from the Subway Chicken

First, always secure depot gates and train doors. Second, keep an eye on wildlife near transport sites. Third, train staff in humane animal handling. These steps can prevent stowaways and protect both workers and animals.

What the Public Thinks

City residents couldn’t help but laugh at the story. Many joked about riding the subway chicken to school or work. Others praised the crew for acting fast. On social media, hashtags about the feathery commuter trended for hours. Clearly, this chicken’s journey struck a chord.

Safety Tips for Unusual Passengers

• Always stay calm when you spot an animal on a train.
• Alert staff right away and keep a safe distance.
• Do not try to touch or chase the animal.
• Let trained professionals handle the rescue.

Final Cluck

In the end, the subway chicken reminded everyone that New York never runs out of surprises. From stray cats to runaway pigeons, the city hosts many unexpected riders. Yet this time, a bird rode free-range style on the rails. Thankfully, transit workers turned a potential mess into a heartwarming tale.

FAQs

How did a chicken end up on the subway?

A loose chicken wandered into a storage depot and slipped onto an idle train car.

What will happen to the subway chicken now?

Authorities took the bird to an animal shelter, where they will seek its owner or find it a new home.

Can other animals sneak onto the subway?

Yes, on rare occasions cats, rats, and even raccoons have been spotted on trains, but staff handle each case carefully.

Has anything like this happened before?

Animals have boarded subways before, but a chicken riding to Coney Island is a first-time event. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/20/loose-chicken-fouls-n-train-subway-stowaway-slows-morning-commute/