That's great you find it works so well in your run, I'd be interested to see how it works in winter. I saw a thread on this somewhere, probably in the coop design forum, about using sand inside the coop. I think people who live where it really freezes in winter said it became a problem because it got damp then froze like concrete, so they couldn't rake or clean it. I'll try to find the link to that thread. I was wondering about using gravel in my run when I build it, or maybe just do deep litter like I plan to in the coop itself, keep it stirred, and hope it just composts. My sister does that and she likes it.Sand, my friend....is the best thng i have ever put in my run! I do not have it in the coop yet...but i will next year maybe. But in the run, it has done wonders for me!!! It use to be a big mud pit and i had to wear big rubber boots to go in there when it rained! I put maybe 2 inches of sand down and the chickens are now high and dry!! I can walk in there with flip flops on when it raining! cleaning is a breeze, i rake the poo up into little piles and remove it. It takes about 5 mins and i have a 16'x16' run!
I havnt had it over the winter yet..i just put sand in this spring!!