Wildlife

Barn Owl Welfare and Conservation

Barn owls are iconic predators of farmland but face threats from rodenticide poisoning, road deaths, and loss of nesting sites.

Key Facts

Barn owls hunt by sound - they can locate prey under snow
UK barn owl population is estimated at 4,000 breeding pairs
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides are found in 91% of tested barn owls
Barn owls require around 4-6 voles per night to survive in winter
They do not build nests but need cavities such as tree holes or old buildings

Welfare Considerations

Rodenticide poisoning causes barn owls to bleed internally, suffer weakness, disorientation, and prolonged death. Even non-lethal doses impair hunting ability and immune function. Road deaths kill many birds hunting over verges. Cold, wet winters reduce prey availability and cause starvation - barn owls have very limited fat reserves. Chick starvation in poor prey years is a significant welfare concern.

What You Can Do

Install barn owl nest boxes in suitable farmland locations
Use integrated pest management rather than rodenticides where possible
Report barn owl road deaths to local wildlife trusts
Support Barn Owl Trust conservation work
Leave rough grassland margins for vole populations to thrive