Background <p>The aim of the study is to compare gastrointestinal (GI) transit times and evaluate the adequacy of radiographic opacification of barium sulphate (BaSO₄) and iohexol in Barn owls (<i>Tyto alba</i>). Eight healthy juvenile owls were included in a randomized crossover study with a 5-day washout period. BaSO₄ (30% w/v) and iohexol (300&#xa0;mg I/ml, undiluted) were administered in a randomized order to prevent order effects and were administered via orogastric tube at a dosage of 25&#xa0;ml/kg. Serial radiographs were obtained at specific intervals for up to 300&#xa0;min. Three independent observers evaluated the images for transit times using a time-blinded protocol.</p> Results <p>Total transit time (esophagus to cloaca) was significantly shorter for iohexol (5.0 ± 0.0&#xa0;min) compared to BaSO₄ (15.0 ± 8.4&#xa0;min) (<i>p</i> = 0.039). Both agents provided adequate radiopacity for clear anatomic differentiation. No adverse effects or contrast-related complications were observed.</p> Conclusions <p>Limitations of this study include the small sample size (<i>n</i> = 8) and the use of static radiography rather than fluoroscopy, which precluded real-time motility assessment. Iohexol is a safe and significantly faster alternative to BaSO₄ for GI contrast studies in Barn owls. It is particularly advantageous in emergency cases requiring rapid diagnosis or involving suspected GI perforation.</p>