Barn Owl Rodenticide Poisoning: A Hidden Welfare Crisis

Barn owls across the UK are being poisoned by rodenticides used in agriculture and homes. Secondary poisoning from eating contaminated prey is causing widespread harm to this iconic species.

Key Facts

Studies find rodenticide residues in over 80% of barn owls tested in England and Wales
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) accumulate in prey and cause internal bleeding in owls
Affected barn owls show lethargy, difficulty flying and eventually fatal haemorrhage - a slow, distressing death
The Barn Owl Trust estimates rodenticide exposure is a significant factor in population limitation
Farm buildings using rodenticide bait stations around grain stores are primary sources of exposure

Welfare Considerations

Rodenticide poisoning is an invisible welfare crisis for barn owls and many other raptors. The suffering caused by anticoagulant poisoning - slow internal bleeding over days - is severe. The tragedy is that most poisoning is unintentional: farmers and householders using legal products to control rats and mice are inadvertently killing the very predators that provide natural rodent control. A switch to best-practice integrated pest management, including natural predator support through barn owl nest boxes, could reduce rodenticide reliance while improving welfare outcomes for owls.

What You Can Do

Never use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in gardens or buildings
Install barn owl nest boxes on your property or land to support natural pest control
Support the Barn Owl Trust's monitoring and advocacy work
Ask your local farm or estate about rodenticide use and promote integrated pest management
Report dead or sick barn owls with suspected poisoning to the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme (PBMS)