Cannot figure out the problem-limping/tail down

[newfarmgirl]

Here is my problem. This morning I go out to check on my ladies and I notice my 2 year old RIR hen laying down beside the food dish. She usually joins the other girls to come and greet me. I went to sit beside her (she does not like to be held) and she half heartily tried to stand. I noticed her left claw was curled and she was limping. Her wings were slightly away from her body and her tail feathers down. I came in and researched egg bound info and went back out to check. She hobbled up the ramp into the coop and promptly went in the nesting box and laid an egg- so that isn't it, I guess. She is just sitting in the floor of the coop now sort of panting. It is only about 75 degrees here today. I put food and water with electrolytes next to her and she had some of both. The other girls keep making noises and expressing concern. ( never thought this was really possible but I see it with my own two eyes) I'm thinking maybe she fell off the roost during the night and possibly injured herself- wing, leg or both. It is a new coop for my girls with 4 foot roosting bars. A change from the smaller coop she had been in with only about 2 feet off the ground roost.
My question is what should I be looking for? Why do chickens put their tail down? Her eyes are clear but she is much more submissive than she ever was before. Her feet color and comb color look normal. Maybe someone here with more than my 2 years of experience can offer some advice. I would surely appreciate it.
btw- it is an enclosed run and predators haven't gotten in.

 

[peepsquad]

I just had the exact same thing happen. When I came home from Lowes. my barred rock was laying next to the food dish I brought her in the house, she is laying on her left side off her right foot, wings down, almost looks dizzy when she walks, but her leg and foot seem fine. Wondering what I can do for her. Having her in the house wont stress her any, if someone leaves the door open around here they sneak in lol
She is the hen that hatched and raised chicks, they have been recently separated, the feed dish hangs below the chick wing of the coop. If that matters any.

 

[newfarmgirl]

I had hoped that I might get some insight from you experienced chicken folk....got home after some errands today and she is still sitting by the water container. I gave her some millet and she gobbled it up with no problem. Her appetite is good, but she is still laying kind of sideways with her injured(?) leg off to the side. I would really love to know what to do for her, or what to look for. Should I leave her there all night if thats where she wants to be? Physically place her in the coop? I thought her wings might be injured because they were splayed somewhat, but I am thinking it may be for balance. Why would a girls leg just curl? Is it always an injury or can there be an underlying issue I don't know about. Help? Please.....
I am a nurse by profession, but have absolutely no idea what to with a hen.
Stumped.

 

[newfarmgirl]

Just a follow on post for those who are curious: My girl is still going strong. She sequestered herself in the coop for 5 days. I brought her water with electrolytes, food, watermelon and treats. She even let me pet her! LOL. Her comb and wattle are still bright red and her eyes clear. Not sure what the problem is or was. She finally moved out of the coop today , although she still is balancing somewhat on her wings. Maybe she went after a snake who was threatening her gaggle? Still unknown, but at this stage, she seems to be doing better. Hopefully she will be back to her normal self in a few more days : ) I am so glad she didn't go to the big COOP in the sky!!!