Restraint tests were conducted at day 7 and week 6, 26 control and 26 hatchery chickens were used at day 7 and 23 control and 25 hatchery birds were tested at week 6. All chickens were selected randomly from their home pen and then immediately tested. Once the chicken was removed from the home pen a blood sample was taken from the brachial vein within 3 minutes of capture, in order to establish a baseline level of CORT. The chickens were then suspended in a net washing bag for a period of 3 minutes. After suspension a second blood sample was taken to record CORT reaction levels.