Thanks Don. Since I already bought a boat load of coloured wing bands (and the handy dandy tool for applying), I've decided to use them again this year. They are great for marking/tracking individuals, no doubt, and I have quite a few chicks with split bases I need to keep track of...I also toe punch by matriarchal family, and leg band with coloured zips around 3-4 months. I like the idea of using slits too, and doubling my ID numbers. It's definitely nice to know who made who in my coops.
(well, most of the time. Had a little pen mishap this spring, and learned chicken wire does not always keep rowdy roosters out, not when there's females on the other side.)