I used ½” hwc too when we build the run. We burried it 1ft in the ground. Where the soil meets the air, it rusted and has sharp pins. I have to get it out and fix it.Chickens need a secure coop to prevent predators killing them on the roost .1/2" hardware cloth is the gold standard for covering any vents or openings.Wild predators are aggressive when cornered or trapped which is why I don't want to encounter any of them in my coop
It only lasted 10 years in my climate.

The lower/ open part of the coop is build with wooden frames and ½ “ hwc . We put 1sqft tiles at the outside to prevent diggig. This is still good where the wood was treated properly against rotting.