Whistleblower: Collapsed Shed, Dead, Injured Birds at Vital Farms Supplier; PETA Rescues Dozens of Hens

For Immediate Release:
June 19, 2026

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Winfield, Kan. — A whistleblower has reported to PETA that a shed holding more than 20,000 hens at Winfield-based Triple C Infinity Eggs—which supplies eggs to Texas-based Vital Farms—collapsed a few days ago, resulting in chickens being crushed to death and reportedly in danger of drowning due to burst water pipes. According to the whistleblower, the shoddily constructed facility had feed lines that never functioned properly, and the owner told people that instead of helping, Vital Farms suggested she gas all the survivors. PETA rushed to the scene, rescuing dozens of hens, who today are now safe at Shy 38 Inc. Kansas Farm Sanctuary. Video of the collapsed barn and hens crammed into the shoddy facility is here, and photos of the rescued hens are here.

Among those PETA rescued, all had had their beaks seared, including one with a crack in what was left of her beak and one with a foot deformity that made it difficult for her to walk. PETA also observed the farm owner roughly handling birds by carrying them out by their feet and wings, which can cause serious injuries, including dislocated joints, broken bones, and severe bruising.

Despite Vital Farms’ claims that its eggs come from “Certified Humane” farms with “pasture-raised” hens, PETA’s documentation reveals that thousands of birds had been crammed into a crowded, noisy barn that then collapsed.

Just last week, PETA—which owns stock in Vital Farms—spoke and asked a pointed question at the company’s annual shareholder meeting, pressing leadership over its deceptive marketing claims, noting the stark contrast between cruel industry-standard practices Vital Farms engages in—including sourcing chicks from suppliers that sear off portions of hens’ sensitive beaks with a hot blade and sending hens to slaughterhouses when egg production wanes—and the company’s claims about humane treatment.

“Vital Farms’ marketing claims are fairy tales, not facts,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “While PETA rescued dozens of hens from this nightmare, thousands more will continue to suffer and die as long as Vital Farms continues deceiving consumers—so PETA urges everyone to reject these lies and please choose vegan eggs instead.”

Chickens form complex social structures, dream when they sleep, and worry about the future, just as humans do. PETA notes that vegan egg options such as Just Egg are widely available in stores, and every person who goes vegan spares nearly 200 animals per year and reduces their own risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity, and other illnesses.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a hen is a dog is a boy. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.