I guess I'm a bit odd, in that I want to learn to flip-start my engine rather than use an electric starter. Are there any special gotcha's associated with flip-starting a four-stroke? (or breaking in a four-stroke without an electric starter)

Also, long long ago (more than 10 years) I saw a chicken stick that was basically a big rubber thing that slipped over your finger rather than a wooden stick -- it stuck out well past your finger, was maybe an inch and a half diameter, black rubber looking thing. It struck me as much easier to use than your typical chicken stick, and I have no desire to learn to flip-start a motor with my bare fingers... Does anyone know where I could get one of these, or is there a good reason not to use one like that?

thanks,
Rick