Silkie not acting normal. Update: Marek’s

[Sassysouth]

I am in North AL. I have a 14 week old Silkie. I noticed yesterday when I got scratch out for the flock, she didn’t run over like she usually does. I actually only saw her eat 3 pieces. She was just sitting all fluffed up later, so I brought her to the basement thinking she was cold. Her crop was empty. She ate and drank a little, but didn’t move around much. I took her back out for the night.
This morning she was the last one out, she is usually the first one out, the first to greet me. She is doing the same behavior today. I brought her in a little bit ago and she is not eating or drinking.
Her crop is empty, her poop looks normal. Everything about her visually looks normal. Breathing, eyes, nose, feathers, skin.
I am at a loss.

ETA: I have noticed her stretching her neck up and opening her beak repeatedly. She has eaten some grit. The chickens only have access to food, water, grit, occasionally scratch and pine shavings. That is all.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

When have you been checking her crop? In the morning, midday, or evening? I suggest feeling it when she goes to roost to see if she's eaten anything more than a few bites.

 

[Sassysouth]

When have you been checking her crop? In the morning, midday, or evening? I suggest feeling it when she goes to roost to see if she's eaten anything more than a few bites.

I checked it last night right before sundown and it was empty. I brought her inside to warm up, because I thought she might be cold, it was empty then. She ate a few bites and drank some water before I put her in the coop for the night. She has eaten nothing today that I am aware of, only some grit. Her crop is flat empty right now and they chickens will be going to roost in 3 hours. I have her inside now so I can observe her. I have compared hers to the other Silkies as well.

 

[CSAchook]

Have tried canned fish or scrambled egg Sassy?

 

[Sassysouth]

Have tried canned fish or scrambled egg Sassy?

I just did and she ate about a tablespoon of egg. I will try some Salmon also. I don’t know why I didn’t try that last night. Brain fog.

 

[micstrachan]

My girls act like that right before they head into molt. Has she dropped any feathers? Sometimes it’s hard to tell (like if someone is eating the feathers). Does she have a favorite nutritious treat to entice her to est? The higher protein ideas are good ones.

 

[micstrachan]

My girls act like that right before they head into molt. Has she dropped any feathers? Sometimes it’s hard to tell (like if someone is eating the feathers).

 

[Sassysouth]

My girls act like that right before they head into molt. Has she dropped any feathers? Sometimes it’s hard to tell (like if someone is eating the feathers).

I have ten, 14 week old Silkies, Bantam Cochins and an Orpington. There are lots of feathers, mostly small looking down feathers. The Silkie was doing a lot of preening. But, do they molt this young?
Everyone else is acting normal except her.

ETA: she has some white dander looking pieces on her back. Not mites. I have checked.

 

[micstrachan]

Could be the wax coating from new feathers. Can you post a picture? I agree it seems young for molt. Four of my six pullets are momting right now, but they will be a year old at the end of March.
Let’s hope more people will comment on the possibility of molting this young or provide other ideas for why she’s not feeling well.

 

[Rugbygainz]

Have you checked insider her beak? you mentioned her stretching her neck upwards, could mean she has something in ther like an infection, fungus or a respitory infect.
If she isnt eating syringe feed her.
Hope she recovers