Rat ? on hardware cloth

I built a 3 tub rodent rack to start with. I knew I eventually was going to be keeping rats so I designed the rack around them. (using med/large cement mixing tubs). I will be building more.

But I knew I was going to be starting with mice so I used the 1/4" hardware cloth. Is their any reason I can't go ahead and use the 1/4th " stuff with the rats. keeping in mind I have already made feeding baskets for the 6F with the 1/2 " HC.
Can rats gnaw through the 1/4"hc?

i dont believe they will gnaw through the hardware cloth but they will have a hard time getting to the food through it. you might wanna try and switch it out to the 1/2 HC

They can eat through the 1/4" hardware cloth, its just tougher for them.