Wildlife

Barn Owl Welfare and Rodenticide Poisoning

Barn owls are highly vulnerable to secondary rodenticide poisoning from consuming prey animals that have ingested rat poison, with studies showing contamination in over 80% of tested barn owl corpses.

Key Facts

Studies by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use show 84% of barn owls carry rodenticide residues
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides such as brodifacoum and difenacoum accumulate in prey
Barn owls consume large numbers of voles and mice, making them highly vulnerable to secondary poisoning
Rodenticide contamination has been linked to reproductive failure and increased susceptibility to disease

Welfare Considerations

Secondary rodenticide poisoning is a major and ongoing welfare threat to barn owls across the UK. Affected birds experience prolonged internal haemorrhage before death. Because rodenticides accumulate through the food chain, even non-lethal doses can compromise immune function and breeding success. The problem is directly linked to agricultural and residential rodenticide use.

What You Can Do

Use rodenticides only as a last resort and always follow label instructions exactly
Use first-generation rodenticides such as warfarin which have lower secondary poisoning risk
Install barn owl nestboxes with entry routes well away from rodenticide bait points
Support the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use and its stewardship guidance