Crappie are picky eaters, they like their food alive and kicking. I'm surprised they didn't go for the crawfish though. We get minnows for about $1/dozen but that's still expensive feeding. Have heard of fish farms that feed crappie pellet food, but not after they have got use to the real stuff. I tried feeeding my Tilapia some left over minnows and they wouldn't touch them. Good luck! If it doesn't work out, just have a crappie fry!