The effects of timing (from 2 days to 6 weeks of age) and duration (1-5 weeks) of restricted water intake on compensatory growth of broilers were studied. In the water restricted groups access to water was limited to three 15-minute periods per day, at 07:00, 12:00 and 17:00 h. If water was restricted for 1 to 3 weeks, the chicks were able to compensate later for body weight losses. If restriction lasted for 4 or 5 weeks, the chicks did not fully compensate. A one week-period of water restriction imposed during the first 3 weeks of age decreased the body weight of chickens significantly, which was later compensated. The same period of restriction imposed between the third and sixth weeks of age had no effect on the body weight of chickens.