Barn owl rescued after collapsing in Essex field due to eating poisoned rodent

The barn owl is now in the care of South Essex Wildlife Hospital, in Orsett
-Credit:RSPCA / SWNS


A barn owl has been rescued after collapsing in an Essex field - from eating a rodent with poison in its system. The bird was unable to move, says RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Natalie Read.

She explained: “The poor owl was freezing cold and appeared grounded as she couldn’t seem to use her wings. I collected her and took the owl to a specialist wildlife hospital - South Essex Wildlife Hospital - where they could investigate the cause of her weakness and hopefully help to rehabilitate the barn owl."

The barn owl is still in the care of South Essex Wildlife Hospital, in Orsett, and is receiving expert care. A vet examination showed that the owl had suffered a small puncture wound on her right wing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more: Essex area set for major change to recycling collections as plan approved

Read more: Essex village plagued by crashes after 'rat run' road leaves two dead weeks apart

The owl was also flat and unresponsive on being admitted into their care which the vets believe was from secondary poisoning - where the bird has eaten a small animal which had poison in its system and has therefore become unwell herself.

Rodenticide poison is often seen as a ‘quick fix’, the charity explains how there are serious welfare issues with its use. Users of rodenticide are legally required to take all reasonable precautions to prevent access to the poison by domestic and wild animals, and children.

In addition to the suffering caused to rodents by rodenticides, there is also the potential risk of secondary poisoning, for example to barn owls, as in this instance, and pet cats. The RSPCA therefore advocates for humane deterrents to deter rats and mice - helping to mitigate these dangerous risks.

Barn owl who was discovered collapsed in a field after eating poisoned rodent
Barn owl who was discovered collapsed in a field after eating poisoned rodent -Credit:RSPCA / SWNS

Although the barn owl's recovery is slow, the hospital confirmed that she is showing good responses to treatment. A spokesperson at SEWH, said: “This poor bird was found just in time but is sadly right on the line between life and death.

"Some days she fills us with hope and on others it seems like she has only gone downhill. We will do everything we possibly can to get her well, but her prognosis remains uncertain.”