I agree with CB1 this is conditioned behavior and will deminish over time until only a small % eat pellets so long as ample live forage is available. It can go both directions -- if you start with no feed trained LMB a few will become conditioned -- if you start with all LMB feed conditioned over time high % will stop or greatly reduce eating pellets. Going either way over time only a small % will remain on pellets. This all changes if the situation changes and greater competition is introduced or increased by either adding or developing feed trained LMB or reducing the available live prey. The will to survive is a very strong genetic trait that will lead to greater conditioning or starvation of those who won't eat pellets, if there is not enough live prey. Called natural selection or survival of the fittest poor results are in store for those that can't adapt. If conditions remain static ,with enough live prey of all sizes available, a smaller % of each LMB year class will become conditioned to eating pellets as they revert to their genetic trait of eating live prey until only a very small % eat pellets. These comments of course assume a competitive natural envior. not an aquaculture situation where there are large numbers in a small area and high % eat mostly pellets. ewest