Barn Owl Welfare: Rodenticides, Roads, and Nest Sites

Barn owls are iconic birds of prey that face significant welfare threats from rodenticide poisoning, road collisions, and loss of nesting sites. Targeted actions can meaningfully improve their welfare.

Key Facts

Barn owl populations in the UK number approximately 4,000 pairs, having recovered from a historical low in the 1990s
Rodenticide residues are found in the majority of barn owls tested in the UK, with some dying from secondary poisoning
Road collisions kill a significant proportion of barn owls, particularly young birds dispersing from natal territories
Barn owls require cavities in old trees or farm buildings for nesting — modernization of farm buildings reduces available sites
A pair of barn owls and their young can consume over 1,000 voles and mice per summer

Welfare Considerations

Barn owl welfare is threatened at multiple points in their life cycle. Secondary poisoning from rodenticides causes neurological impairment and death in birds that eat poisoned rodents. Young owls flying low over roads during their first winter are particularly vulnerable to collision. Loss of nest sites through barn conversion prevents reproduction. Each of these threats is addressable: reducing rodenticide use, installing owl nest boxes, and driving carefully on rural roads at dusk all directly improve individual barn owl welfare.

What You Can Do

Install barn owl nest boxes on suitable outbuildings or poles with guidance from the Barn Owl Trust
Eliminate rodenticide use on your property or switch to first-generation products less harmful to owls
Drive carefully on rural lanes at dusk when young barn owls hunt low over roads
Support the Barn Owl Trust with donations or by recording sightings on their national database
Advocate for rodenticide regulation that protects barn owls and other raptors from secondary poisoning