5 week old chickens are lethargic and not drinking well...please help

[cc44]

I am a new chicken owner and have 10, 5 wk. old chicks that have been lethargic and not drinking well for about a week. 2 died last night. Put Sulmet in their water today, but they aren't drinking much, so very concerned. Please advise. They have been in a new trough with pine shavings cleaned weekly. Thank you for any advice given!!

 

[Judy]

Need more info. My first thought is they could be too hot or not getting enough fresh air and being bothered by the ammonia and general air quality.

 

[cc44]

I thought air quality could be a possibility and put them in the brooder 2 days ago. That was the night the 2 died. But I am going to put them in a rabbit cage tonight to see if that makes a difference. Another sympton is their balance. They are having trouble walking. There are 4 others that don't seem to be affected. I put them in the brooder with some I bought 2 days ago. Trying to keep them separated in case it's contagious. All the Rhode Island & New Hampshire Reds are affected and only one game hen. The 4 that seem to be fine are game hens. Also, I don't know if they've been vaccinated.

Thank you