How to stop predators from digging into an open bottomed coop?

[cereall]

My school is allowing me to build a 10 x 10 quail coop on its ag. compound, but the one requirement is that the coop has an open bottom and wheels so that it can be moved every week or so. I know that normally people bury hardware cloth around the coop but unfortunately that's not an option and I'm really worried that predators can just dig underneath and get to the quails. Does anyone know of any method I can use to prevent that?

 

[Ravynscroft]

If you use hardware cloth as a 'bottom' it would technically still be open and allow ease of movement just as well...

 

[Tony K T]

You can put an apron around the bottom at least 2 ft wide on the outside and just lift it when the pen needs to be moved.A predator will dig at the base of the pen and will not move back and start digging again.Make sure you check it after bending it to see if it is losing its strength.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[cereall]

You can put an apron around the bottom at least 2 ft wide on the outside and just lift it when the pen needs to be moved.A predator will dig at the base of the pen and will not move back and start digging again.Make sure you check it after bending it to see if it is losing its strength.
In N.H.,Tony.

That's a good idea! Do you think I could make the apron out of chicken wire and put some cinder blocks on the corner to hold it down?

 

[lomine]

Most predators can get through chicken wire. You defiantly won't want to use it for the walls. You'll want to go with something stronger, like hardware cloth. And don't forget about the corners if you go with the apron method.

 

[Tony K T]

The chicken wire will be good for the apron but keep checking it as it does rust and get weak.I used tent stakes to hold it down,it lets the grass grow thru so it doesn't look like there is wire there at all.Definely use hardware cloth everywhere else.Here's a pic of my pens a few years ago.I still have them but have added to it since this pic.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[Tony K T]

The chicken wire will be good for the apron but keep checking it as it does rust and get weak.I used tent stakes to hold it down,it lets the grass grow thru so it doesn't look like there is wire there at all.Definely use hardware cloth everywhere else.Here's a pic of my pens a few years ago.I still have them but have added to it since this pic.
In N.H.,Tony.