Water belly (ascites) in hen - anyone in Southern NH to help?

[ksful]

Hi, new to this group but joined because I have a hen who is suspect has
water belly - she has all the signs.... very VERY heavy, abdomin swollen, walking like a penguin.
She is a black sex-link, about 3-1/2 yrs old and hasn't laid an egg in close to a year.
There is some yellow "stuff" surrounding her vent and lots of feathers missing around her vent.

She is eating and drinking fine and continues to go out with the others. Still loves her treats.
However, I noticed the other day that she takes a lot of breaks and lays down. Then looks as if she is uncomfortable, walks a bit and tries to lay down again.

I have read about this and watched many you tube videos on how to drain the fluid, it's just that I cannot get a 16-18 gauge needle (or ANY needle at all) to do this. You cannot purchase needles in all of NH or MA at this time.

Rather than finding a poultry vet, I was wondering if there is anyone near or in Southern NH who may have experience with this and could help. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

[Eggcessive]

Pictures of the vent would be helpful. There could be several reasons for an enlarged lower abdomen, such as fat or fatty liver disease, internal laying, peritonitis, cancer, as well as ascites. Sometimes there is a persistant right oviduct which forms a sac of clear colorless fluid. Ascites fluid is yellow, amber, or almost greenish at times. Draining is only a temporary fix for ascites when the abdomen is tight, which may relieve pain, pressure, and ease breathing. A 16 gauge needle which can be hard to find even where needles and syringes are legal, can be hard to find. A vet might be helpful there, possibly selling one with a large syringe. Here are a couple of videos by the same person about draining a hen: