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1. Egg production was similar in non‐handled and in regularly handled hens, but was reduced by handling hens unaccustomed to the procedure.
2. Handling reduced avoidance behaviour (”flightiness“) in growers and pullets but its effect declined with age and it had no influence in these hens when mature.
3. Handling affected egg shell quality; it resulted in an increased incidence of cracks and of equatorial bulges. Previous work has suggested that this defect is an indication of stressors applied at a critical period during egg formation. Therefore, handling may be a stressor.