x2 on the deep litter in the run. Any amount of shavings will be a huge improvement over poo in dirt, so don't worry about the 12" thing. Just spread some shavings, add more as needed, and shovel it out once in a while. Mary
We've never had anywhere close to 12" in our run and do a modified DLM in there as well. I add more straw/hay/shavings/leaves, etc when it needs it and rake it around every few days to help disperse the poop over the whole area. Works great and never smells. I also throw all of my kitchen scraps directly into the run as well.