Which bedding is noted for good absorption but is dusty and tends to stick together, making mucking out harder?

• A. Shredded newspaper
• B. Sawdust
• C. Straw
• D. Wood pellets

Answer: (B)

The idea here is how bedding handles moisture and how its texture affects mucking out. Sawdust soaks up urine well, which is why it’s known for good absorption. But it’s also quite dusty, and when it gets wet it tends to form sticky, clumpy patches that compact on the floor. Those dense, wet clumps are hard to rake or shovel out, making mucking out more difficult.

Other bedding options don’t fit this combination as neatly. Shredded newspaper can be absorbent but is typically dusty and can break down into slippery layers; straw is less absorbent and can crumble or shift, while wood pellets absorb well and tend to stay relatively tidy when used as directed.