Collection and analysis of blood samples to detect stress proteins in wild birds

The blood stress protein response can be used to evaluate physiological or environmental stress in individuals and populations. It is important that sample conservation and transport are correct to avoid confounding effects on protein analyses. We show that Great Tit (Parus major) blood samples can be centrifuged and frozen any time within eight hours of collection, as during this period there are no significant changes in stress protein HSP70 and HSP60 levels. These findings simplify future research on the stress protein response in wild birds because samples can be safely kept in a cool box for a relatively long time.