Some are born ready to run.

Others are born needing help.

In the bird world, it’s called the precocial–altricial divide. Precocial (pree-KOH-shul) chicks — like chickens, ducks, and quail — hatch with eyes open, downy feathers, and enough strength to walk within hours. They eat, drink, and explore almost immediately.

But altricial (al-TRISH-ul) birds — like robins, sparrows, and doves — hatch helpless. Eyes closed. Skin bare. Heads wobbling. They can’t regulate their temperature. They can’t feed themselves. They can’t even lift their beaks. Their survival depends completely on constant care.

And both were designed by Jehovah.

He chose when each would stand.

He chose when each would still need to be held.

The difference isn’t a flaw in development — it’s part of the design.

Ground-dwelling birds often need early mobility to avoid danger. Tree-nesting birds can afford more time under wing. Each strategy fits its setting. Jehovah built different rhythms into each one, according to what they would need.

One is not better than the other.

One is not braver, stronger, or more favored.

They’re just different.

And if Jehovah allows for that kind of variation in the animal world, maybe we can stop expecting spiritual development to be one-size-fits-all.

Some people hatch with boldness. Others need time. Some are strong early on. Others are fragile — but still growing.

Romans 14:1 (NWT) urges us,

“Welcome the one who is weak in faith, but do not pass judgment on differing opinions.”

Because Jehovah sees something we can’t.

He sees where the nest is.

He sees how much shelter was available.

He sees what kind of bird He made.

So yes — we don’t all hatch the same. But that’s not a flaw.

It’s the plan.

References:

• Romans 14:1, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT)

• Generalized distinctions between precocial and altricial development based on verified ornithological definitions and observations