lethargic young cochin

I have a young black cochin, about 10 weeks old who is acting very lethargic. She spends a lot of time lately just sitting with her eyes closed. She picks a bit at the food, but not very enthusiastic. When I pick her up, her eyes close and she sits very still. She still moves well when I encourage her. She is also thin - the breast bone is sharp and protruding. No runny eyes or runny poop.
Any ideas? Anyone? This is a very special cochin from Joe Mazur's line I purchased through viczoe.
Little Josephine holds my hopes for breeding and showing cochins in the future. I don't want to lose her!

Wish I had the answer for you. I alwasy suspect Marek's disease when I have a chick like that around that age. What is her crop like? Empty, full, air filled?

Here is a little print out on Marek's disease.
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/CART-6PTVYH?open

I have her separated now and staying in the hospital (dog kennel). Her crop is full, and she did seem a bit more interested in the food, and seemed to perk up for a bit. Then promptly tucked her head in and went to sleep.

I read the Mareks article, and unfortunately it does sound like a possibility. I am encouraged that she shows no other symptoms like lameness or diarrhea. She just seems a bit off, so I'll keep her separated and watch her. And keep hoping for the best.

Is she getting anything for stress in her water just to give her a little boost. Also get her outside in the sunshine as it does wonders for them. What are you feeding her?

Heather

Could she have gotten into (and eaten) something rotten? (botulism)

But no, according to this list ( https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AiNZo6udgaR9cHdoalE2WW5nODc3aXpfSk5pQ04xSVE&hl=en#gid=0 ) that would cause watery diarrhea.

It's so hard to know what to do when you don't know exactly what you're treating. I hope she recovers for you.

Well Josephine seems perkier today. I gave her some bits of dandilion leaves and she gobbled them right up. She is also eating her food well today. Still rather listless - picture below of her typical stance - standing or laying with eyes shut.
I inspected the pen and could find nothing unusual. she lives with about 30 other youngsters in a barn with outdoor run, which is on the other side of the yard, well away from adult chickens. I've been mixing the chick starter 1/2 and 1/2 with grower mix. About once a week I add poul-vite to the water. Since separating her I've put her back on straight medicated starter (with a bit of grit of course.), and I also put her on super booster for 2 days just for good measure.

Not sure what might have caused this sleepy, lethargic behavior, but now I do think it will pass. I am even wondering if I panicked a bit about her weight. This is the first year I've raised my own cochin babies - only had adults before. Maybe at this young age they all seem a bit thin and boney? Anyway, things seem to be improving.
Thanks for offering your suggestions - its so good to have other people's input and ideas.

Kathy, she sure is a nice looking young cochin, very nice type and wing carriage already. Baby her as she looks to develop into a good one. L.F cochins are big birds and as with any L.F they put on a lot of bone before body. Looks nothing like the little chick you picked up from me.

Heather