Halachic Highlights

Question: On which birds may you fulfill the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKein?

Short Answer: Unless you know for sure that the bird does not have the signs set forth in the Shulchan Aruch for kosher birds, you should fulfill Shiluach HaKein.

Question: To fulfill Shiluach HaKein, do you have to first catch the mother bird and remove her from the birds or is it sufficient to simply shoo the mother bird away with your hands or a stick?

Short Answer: Some poskim require you to first catch the bird, but most poskim rule leniently that any method is fine.

Question: Should you recite a brachah when fulfilling the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKein?

Short Answer: Most poskim hold that no brachah is recited on Shiluach HaKein.

In Your Courtyard

Question: May you fulfill Shiluach HaKein with a bird and a nest on your front lawn?

Question: Must you perform Shiluach HaKein if you see a bird’s nest and you don’t plan on using the eggs? Should you fulfill it?

Short Answer: You should fulfill the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKein according to most poskim, but only if you acquire the eggs by lifting them up.

Question: What is the reason for the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKein?

Short Answer: Multiple reasons are suggested, including no reason at all.