Silkie cockerel with possible mareks!

[Kelliejanine]

So here’s a little background. I got 3 Silkie chicks at about 3.5 months of age my Silkie pullet started having issues walking and balancing. We eventually put her down because we tried everything and she continued to deteriorate. I know mareks needs to be tested after death to confirm but I’m pretty sure that’s what it was. Fast forward the other 2 silkies are 5 months. The cockerel is now losing balance and can’t even get out the coop door because he jumps into the wall so I have to open the regular door used for cleaning the coop. He’s still walking but I see him kind of rocking back and forth. He seems to be alone most of the time in the coop. I’m starting them on electrolytes and vitamins today to see if it helps. The other Silkie and pullets are all fine. I was surprised he developed these issues because he’s 5 months and from reading last time it said they usually get mareks only up to 4 months. I’ll attach a video and any advice is welcome. I just don’t know if he needs to be put down because it’s mareks or maybe he just needs some extra vitamins.

 

[Kelliejanine]

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0hKuj7Gk0HISqe-ZG04uWjP_A#Nuevo,_CA

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry to hear about your cockerel. Chickens can develop Mareks symptoms at any age if they are exposed, although the most common age is from 5 weeks up to 25 weeks old. Unfortunately the imbalance sounds like Mareks, especially since you have seen this before in your chickens. I would try to keep him close to his food and water, and sometimes that is best in a dog crate or basket. Try foods such as chicken feed mixed with a lot of water, and some cooked chopped egg, bits of tuna, or liver. I am treating an old hen with those symptoms now, and she eats very well for me when I feed her out of a small plastic bowl. Keep his bedding clean and dry. A chicken sling or chair like the ones in this link can be good to use for a few hours at a time:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/