Wildlife

Barn Owl Welfare and Rodenticide Poisoning

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides cause widespread barn owl poisoning through secondary contamination from prey.

Key Facts

Studies find rodenticides in over 90% of barn owls tested in the UK
Secondary poisoning occurs when owls eat rodents that have ingested rodenticide
Anticoagulant poisoning causes internal bleeding and slow death over days
Natural rodent control by owls reduces need for rodenticide use

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls with anticoagulant rodenticide contamination experience progressive internal hemorrhage causing weakness, inability to hunt, and slow death over days to weeks. Sublethal exposure impairs hunting ability and reproductive success. The irony is that barn owls are natural rodent controllers that reduce the need for rodenticides if nesting habitat is provided.

What You Can Do

Install barn owl nest boxes to support natural rodent control
Avoid second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in agricultural settings
Support campaigns for tighter regulation of anticoagulant rodenticides
Report injured or dead barn owls to wildlife monitoring programs