Physiological measures are often used in the assessment of animal welfare. Many of these measures involve the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, particularly the animals’ ability to release cortisol and the effects of cortisol release on other physiological measures. Some of these studies involve giving animals an infusion of corticosterone, but this can be a significant stressor in itself. This study was conducted to determine if it is possible to administer corticosterone by drinking water and if the effects are similar to other means of administration. The chickens were given 4 levels of corticosterone in their water (0 to 20 mg/L). Plasma corticosterone levels rose in accordance with the level in the water. Secondary responses to corticosterone, such as heterophil counts, also responded in a dose dependent manner. It is concluded that administration of corticosterone in the drinking water is an effective means of studying stress responses in chickens.