Wildlife

Barn Owl Rodenticide Poisoning and Prevention

Secondary rodenticide poisoning through contaminated prey is one of the most significant welfare threats to barn owls in the UK.

Key Facts

Studies detect rodenticide compounds in over 80% of tested barn owls
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides persist in prey and accumulate up the food chain
Rodenticide poisoning causes internal bleeding over several days before death
Barn owl populations are limited by prey availability and nesting site quality
Legal rodenticide use on farms is the primary source of secondary poisoning

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls that ingest anticoagulant rodenticides suffer slow death from internal haemorrhage, a process that may take several days. This is one of the most common causes of found dead barn owls submitted for post-mortem examination. Reducing rodenticide use and switching to first-generation compounds where control is needed can substantially reduce this welfare burden.

What You Can Do

Avoid using second-generation rodenticides in and around buildings
Use snap traps or other physical rodent control methods as alternatives
Install barn owl nest boxes to support local populations
Ask pest controllers about their rodenticide stewardship practices
Support the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use guidelines