How efficient is it or how much good growth results from small fish spending a fair amount of time and effort "pecking" at large pellets? I propose that small fish who are able to eat appropriate sized pellets get a lot more benefit and resulting growth from this form of feeding. Sure, I realize that small fish very commonly do this including minnows. I see it happen a lot. But I think overall the small fish will grow a lot faster if they have sizes of food that easily fit into their mouths. This is why I emphasized to Little Dog to try and get at least a few pounds of small sized food to get his litle bluegills started eating. Also I think small fish learn faster to eat artificial food if it is appropriately sized and especially if it has correct taste and texture.

I also realize that often it is not feasable for a lot of people to buy a whole 50# bag of small sized feed. Most of it would not get eaten in small pond situations and waste would result. I have had that happpen to myself which is why I suggested to Lt'l Dog to see if his "fish man" would sell a protion of a bag. A local hatchery to me does sell smaller sized bags of smaller sized food. I think it is a very good idea for the first time, small pond owners who are buying small fingerling fish. I see it as a win - win situation. The hatchery makes a buck on subdividing the feed and the pondwner does not have to start off feeding fish by buying a big bag of food that may not get eaten before it spoils or starts deteriorating nutritionally.

aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management