Ever had a sparrow hawk in desperate need of some warm fluids but it's stressed out and moving, and restaining would cause more harm to inject SC?
In practice we have found that placing a mug of boiling water (obviously not so close the bird could get to it) works really well, the steam from the water is inhaled and generally is just enough to give the bird the basic fluids it needs so it can function normally and then eat. Doing this two or three times per day for a couple of days is generally all thats needed.
This tip was passed to me years ago by the late Mr M Corner MRCVS.
PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.
its obviously a practical approach (the mug that is), placing and maintaining an iv catheter in a bird of pray is dangerous to both us and the bird and usually if a sick bird has come in to practice the 1st thing that is done is to phone a raptor rescue charity or the rspb. good tip thankyou!!