What an epic , would make a great chapter in any book. That's why we all smile when someone says to us "it must be lovely having chickens" these are the sort of things they never envisage happening. You did well Margaid getting them in
I know many of us will have similar tales to tell, chicken are not always as dim witted as people make out, but I take my hat off to you, not many of us will have had to run about in a 3 acre field, its bad enough with 3 humans and 1 chicken in a small front garden!!
I wouldn't be without my landing net, I don't like to use it, but sometimes needs must. Polands are small enough to catch quite easily, the big orpington girls somewhat more tricky. My favourite old cockeral would rush up to me, however, he never needed catching