Hi carol, whereabouts are you? There may be someone on here who would like to exchange bird feeding duties with you for when they go away. I'm not sure how well hoppers would work but some of the feeders used for chickens (agriculural suppliers) may do the trick.
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France
Hi Noisette, I have tried chicken hoppers and it seems the squirrels ate most of the food in it and also knawed away at the dividers (plastic) to get to the most food! Also, perhaps as a result of the squirrels being there all the time, the blackbirds, starlings etc, are frightened away.
I am away again for Christmas and am really worried about "my" birds as it looks as if it's going to be a bad one this year. Help anyone please??!!