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I have Silkies and I've found them to be surprisingly hardy. They are funny little birds. I have a couple that have an attitude like you describe in yours.
It's good that you already are giving extra protein. That should help with replacing those feathers.
It sounds like all your birds are experiencing the molt, so it doesn't sound out of the ordinary. It sounds like your Orpington is feeling it, possibly because the moult is so drastic so fast. It's good to question her symptoms; those can be related to a hard molt. But they can also be related to illness. Casportpony shared a very informative link. You have four birds, that will make it easier to manage her than 200 birds.
I have a barred rock that has been in molt for a few months and she is a special case. I have her in with the other birds but she is a pet and I physically check her every day to make sure she is doing ok. I consider her special needs like a few of my oldest birds. I also have a few that have had a harder molt and they have have a harder time of it. However, I didn't have to intervene and they are back to normal. Every bird is an individual, and they can perform differently even within the same breed.
The hunching I'd be concerned about because that signals that she's feeling cold. It may be why she's not eating if she has to venture out to get food as well. With the wind you describe, if she's not eating she may not be able to maintain body heat. That could be a major stress to her. A lamb that hasn't received milk can be hyperthermic in 90 weather in the summer. The same with a chick and food. An animal/bird needs fuel for the body to thermoregulate. It doesn't matter what the temperature is, if she is feeling cold...she's cold. We may be colder in Canada but and 50 may not seem that cold to us, but it's relative...50F may be cold for a bird used to hotter temps and for a bird that may not be feeling perfect. I'd consider fixing it for her in whatever way works for you so that she can be warm.And observe her from there.
very much appreciate this - and your kind tone. funny how much of a balm it is to my spirit!
i'm setting up a little pen i keep in the house when i have a sick or injured bird. she's going to spend the night inside with us so i can keep an eye on her and do what i can.
again, thank you!
