Then a DIY would be best for your situation, because the local mice & birds won't have much of a chance to figure out where it is over three days, and you normally feed them yourself. A treadle feeder requires training over a few days and some consistency of use I would think.That’s one idea. Thank you. Maybe I will try a diy simple feeder first. I normally feed them myself, but I will be gone for three days this weekend.