DEUT1129 Although Jewish law permits eating animals and birds, the Torah specifically forbids taking away fledglings or eggs in the presence of the mother bird [this and next verse]. This is one of only three laws--along with honoring one's parents (Exodus 20:12), and acting honestly in business (Deuteronomy 25:15)--for which the Torah promises long life. Maimonides (The Guide for the Perplexed 3:48) notes that the "pain of the animals under such circumstances is very great" (one would hope that most people would simply forgo taking either the eggs or the young birds).