Strange gait/ lying down to eat.

[LolaBlue]

Our Light Sussex hen (Charlie) is approx 18mths old and has always been one of the lowest in the pecking order.
She's very timid and flighty,and until recently has not chosen to leave the fenced yard to venture out into the rest of the backyard.
Since she has, I've noticed that her gait seems to very "choppy" and quite "short", especially in comparison to our other hens (all of which are smaller breeds than her).
She also seems to lay down quite a lot, whilst pecking at the ground/ grass.
She seems to be in good physical condition and has recently started laying again after our Australian Winter.
I just observed her running (fleeing an over enthusiastic 3 year old) and in that instance, her gait seemed "longer" and relatively normal.
Any ideas if this is something to worry about?
Could it just be because of her flighty/ nervous nature?
Any suggestions/ theories greatly appreciated!

Here is the pretty girl in question

 

[seminolewind]

I would think that if a hen lays, she must be feeling pretty good. I had a rooster with a choppy funny gait, I think his ligaments in the back of his legs were too tight, and he was always on his toes. But he still caught the girls!

 

[LolaBlue]

I would think that if a hen lays, she must be feeling pretty good. I had a rooster with a choppy funny gait, I think his ligaments in the back of his legs were too tight, and he was always on his toes. But he shtill caught the girls!

Thanks for your reply seminolewind.
Having spoken to a few people I'm wondering if it might just be that her large size, combined with her reluctance to move around because of her timid nature, may have resulted in some weakening of her legs. But as you said, if she's still laying, she can't be feeling too bad!