Handling and restraint induce a significant increase in plasma corticosterone in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

Objective: To measure baseline plasma corticosterone levels in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) and assess the effects of handling and restraint on corticosterone levels over 1 hour, reflective of what parrots might experience during veterinary care.

Animals: 10 male and 12 female Hispaniolan Amazon parrots.

Procedures: Each parrot was removed from its cage and wrapped in a towel for restraint similar to that performed in a clinical setting.