I use small bandettes on chicks and just change them when they get older. They come off easily and are reusable. no chance of getting too tight or snagged on something like coil types or zip straps.
I just wanted to tell you.. I marked my chicks with fingernail polish and Non-toxic craft paint. It's worked like a charm. Meghan
No such thing as stupid. half the bird people I speak with never heard of a bandette. Here is a link http://www.homestead.com/shilala/tags.html They are plastic and easy to put on and remove. Will not snag on anything. Which I think is important for a free ranging bird.
There really isn't a best Color most people use the colors to tell age for example Blue number equals 2007 hatch - Some use to tell laying age Blue started laying 2007 Some use to signal breeding line for example I send a blue band with mine to signal Bluebell Silkies Bred