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We have one of those. Never had to use it so far, but we do have one. It was handmade by DH's late father some 40 years ago.
ETA: I could see where it would alot less distressing to a chicken to be caught with it instead of a net.
I've tried nets. They are actually pretty good at the catching part, but there's no chicken around that'll simply stand there and let you approach with one. They see that thing, and run in stark terror from it.
Once they are caught up in it they go nuts. They squawk and flap scrabble and do everything they can to get loose. Then, once they realize they can't move anymore (providing the net hasn't yet torn), they get deceptively quiet.
They just kinda lay there, lulling you into a false sense of security. (Isn't it interesting how a simple, dumb bird has that ability?)
"Ha! See, I AM smarter than a chicken," you say.
Then you reach in to get the bird.
And the fool thing goes nuts again! But, this time you have it half out, and so, it either gets away or tangles even more in the net. Isn't this fun?
But the hook is far more subtle. It is nearly sublime.
It is just a small hook of wire. So you hold it in one hand, a broom in the other. You steer the birds calmly with the broom, until they are in a tight corner or against a wall.
NOTE: Never do anything in a rush or hurry around chickens. Lead them - don't chase them.
Then, once you have them in a group, you stand back so as not to alarm them and just hook the leg of the one you want with the wire.
Lift and whoosh! - - is off the ground and hanging upside down.
Sweet!
Now, anyone who has spent time around chickens knows that when they are hung upside down, they go into a sort of stupor and simply "knock out." Makes em much easier to handle that way.
Dont net 'em folks - hook 'em. Grandpa knew what he was doing when he came up with this gadget!
