Silkie doesn't seem right!

[scratch'n'peck]

Poor chicken. It does sound like it is neurological like wry neck even though it may not have the classic symptoms. A video will help.

 

[Mcranton]

This "might be" a link to a video of her off balance and also one of her in a coma state after being fed. My guess is stress triggers it. Please ignore the brown tint to her head. This was caused by my early attempts to give her vitamins last week. I have it down pat now. I do feel like the feedings might be causing too much stress and setting her back?

http://youth.be/10RpM-86rbU

I also had a really bad video of her falling on her side when I put her down, but I was not able to upload it yet. Thanks so much.

 

[Mcranton]

This is the other video I mentioned.

 

[Mcranton]

My apologies. The first link had a typo. This should work better,

 

[Eggcessive]

Was your silkie vaccinated for Mareks disease? I believe that could be a possibility with her balance issues and reluctance to walk. Does one of her legs seem numb or lame? I would continue giving vitamins.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

It is hard to say after looking at the videos. The balance issues and passing out when stressed could be due to neurological problems which is the usual cause for wry neck in Silkies, so the treatment would be the same. But when I watched the videos the thought of Marek's disease occurred to as well. I am glad that she can eat on her own, but you had some concerns that she was not drinking enough on her own. I still think the vitamins could be beneficial. If she would eat scrambled eggs with vitamins added and drink enough plain water, then maybe you could take a break from syringe feeding. But you would have to monitor her awfully carefully to make sure she was getting enough nutrients and water.

 

[Mcranton]

I found her nearly unresponsive this morning and unable to move at all. Her wings were limp and her legs were cold and lifeless. I had to euthanize her so it is not a good day!

One question on my mind is what if it is Marek's? Her and the roo are the only two I have, but I have eggs that I purchased from away in the incubator. What can I possibly do if it was Marek's?

 

[Eggcessive]

Mareks disease is spread by dander and dust in the environment. If the sick chicken was inside the house, it may not be possible to keep the newly hatched chicks away from the dust. Day old chicks must be vaccinated for Mareks disease and then kept away from the dust/dander for at least 2-3 weeks to develop full immunity against the disease. Those chicks, even with the vaccine, will be carriers for Mareks after being exposed to your other chicken and to your coop, but should not get the disease after becoming immune. Mareks stays in the environment for many years. Sorry for your loss.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I am really sorry your hen did not make it after all that you tried to do for her. If you still have her remains, you could consider a necropsy to determine the cause of death. Some sates offer the service for free or low cost:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/40141/link-find-your-state-vet-for-a-necropsy

Eggcessive shared good information on Marek's.

 

[Mcranton]

Thank you so much. I live in Canada but we do have an Agricultural College here in the province that might offer that service. I have sent a message to them for information on having that done. I am also racking my brain on where to get the vaccine and how to organize here for the best protection of any new chicks. She was in the basement in a coop and so is the Roo. Maybe I can arrange things so the chicks are elsewhere for quite a while.