Ascites Draining- Two Questions

[12404914]

Hello! I am working with a hen that is suffering from ascites. Don't know the cause, but I suspect it is organ failure. Since she is still walking around, eating, and interacting with the others, I and my father have decided to try draining the fluid to make her more comfortable. We had an attempt which resulted in a little bit of yellowish fluid being removed, but we ended the attempt quickly after I noticed a drop of blood around the hole the needle made. I also believe that I may have had the needle inserted too low on her abdomen, since the syringe only picked up a few drops of the fluid and didn't drain any when removed. The plan for next time is to trim the feathers around where the needle should go so that I can ensure it is in the right place and angle.
I have two questions I haven't been able to find by searching on these forums and online. First, is it normal for the needle to draw a small amount of blood when inserted? I've heard that pulling blood into the syringe is bad, but I don't know about blood around the needle on the skin. Second, what is the proper method for trimming a chicken's feathers? I can only find advice on clipping wings, which isn't what I'm trying to do. I assume I would use scissors and avoid pin feathers, which this bird doesn't have much of due to her age.
I can add clarification or more information if needed.
As a bonus question, has anyone had any success with feeding their hen something to help with fluid buildup? I'm planning on doing some research on it, but if anyone had any experience I'd love to hear it!

 

[Kiki]

Are you sure that the belly is filled with fluid and not egg yolks?
If she is laying internally you won't be able to drain her belly.

 

[12404914]

Are you sure that the belly is filled with fluid and not egg yolks?
If she is laying internally you won't be able to drain her belly.

That is something to consider. I managed to get a few drops of yellowish liquid that seemed to match what I've seen in videos demonstrating ascites draining in other chickens. But I suppose it could also be a tiny bit of egg yolk or something. Besides a necropsy, is there any way I can tell the difference? If draining next time doesn't go well we might just give up and consider other ways of helping her, even if that means just putting her down when the time comes.