Have you ever wanted to experience what it felt like to be a chicken in a slaughterhouse? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

But students at Temple University decided to try it out this afternoon.

PETA’s youth division, peta2, brought the “I, Chicken” tour to TU. Students were able to participate in a virtual reality (VR) experience to feel like chickens in a slaughterhouse. The activity used military technology like a computer, wireless VR goggles, and motion capture cameras to allow participants to engage in the normal activities of a free chicken before being captured and taken to a slaughterhouse.

“We chose chickens because they are one of the most abused animals on this planet,” said Alex Guay, a peta2 representative. “Not one single federal law protects them. If dogs and cats were going through what chickens are going through at this very moment, it would be considered a felony.”

After participating, students were giving pamphlets and DVDs with more information. “We have a ‘Guide to Going Vegan’ which gives them alternatives to what people think they can’t live without like cheese and ice cream. We tell them all the vegan types that they can have and where they are available,” Guay said. “The ‘Animal Testing Breaks Hearts’ guide lists all the cosmetic companies that do not test on animals and that you can find in stores like Target and Walmart.”

The experience was made possible by a grant from Simpsons co-creator and philanthropist Sam Simon.

“I decided to participate because I wanted to know more about the chicken industry and how the food we have for dinner comes about,” said student Nicholas Lopez. “I kind of had an overview of how they do it, but it was different seeing it from the perspective of the chicken. If it was me, I wouldn’t want to get locked up and slaughtered.”

“I thought it was pretty cool. When the guy [in the video said] ‘Alright I’m taking you to the slaughterhouse,’ it made me think ‘Dang, people just automatically assume they can just take what they want and do whatever they want with them’” said student Sydnee Jacques. “Maybe sticking with vegan options like beans and vegetables is better. You’re getting the same nutrients and you’re not killing anything in the process.”