Birds

Barn Owl Welfare: Rodenticides, Roads, and Habitat Loss

Barn owls are among the most beneficial farm birds, facing severe welfare threats from rodenticides and road strikes.

Key Facts

Barn owls have the best low-light hearing of any tested animal
A single pair can consume over 1,000 rodents per year
Road strikes are the leading cause of barn owl mortality in the UK
Secondary rodenticide poisoning causes liver and kidney damage in barn owls
UK barn owl populations have recovered from 3,000 to 14,000 pairs with conservation effort

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls poisoned with second-generation anticoagulants develop internal hemorrhaging that weakens them progressively before death. Road-struck owls often survive initial impact with severe injuries requiring intensive rehabilitation. Owls hunting along roadsides at dusk and dawn are particularly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. Secondary poisoning kills owls and removes their rodent-control services, causing farmers to use more pesticides.

What You Can Do

Never use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides on your property
Install barn owl nest boxes on suitable farm buildings and rural properties
Join the Barn Owl Trust monitoring and conservation programs
Advocate for road-side verge management that reduces barn owl hunting along roads
Support habitat restoration programs creating hunting habitat away from roads