My first concern would be the finish. My understanding is that “hardware cloth” has small sharp edges that can be harmful for rabbits or any animal having to walk on it. To test this, I’ve run my open palm across pieces of hardware cloth, both sides, and can feel little catches on my skin. So, I have stayed away from that grade of wire as part of the housing structure. I do use it for constructing hay holders affixed to the outside of the cages and for baby proofing cages, again affixed to the outside of cages. I also use the cloth to make poo catchers (smaller holes) that sit below the cages which catch the poo and allows the urine through to my urine collection system.