Mine just never seemed to bother with them much, even the bigger branches. I've left mine in for a while, ripping some dried leaves and smaller branches off here and there. I'd put some dried leaves in their toy bin so they could play in them, maybe they did a bit. The smaller branches I broke into shorter pieces for them to chew on, not sure they did much. I had a little longer small branch lying on the floor that had some leaves on it. It was there several days, but then I found my Lulu under it. I threw it away. I don't believe it was the cause of her death in any way, but she was mostly hidden under there. It was by chance that I found her when I did, she could have been easily not seen. Sorry to share this on your post, but just saying why now I wouldn't lay branches with leaves or leaves laying around anymore. I still have the larger branch attached in their cage though, just not on the floor.

I'm sorry about Lulu. It could have been anything. I worry every day something will happen to one of mine. I try to do everything right and hope nothing I do will make them sick or less healthy but we never know what is going on inside their tiny little bodies like us humans don't know half the time either until we're sick. Just remember all the good times with her and how sweet she was. Those are the things that will make you smile and know that you loved her and did the best you could do for her. Somethings we have no control over in life. That's why I say I love you to the people I love when any of us get in a car or end a phone call. You never know when anyone, including ourselves, will be gone. :-(

No distraction at all. Thank you for loving Lulu and being a part of her life and sharing your stories with all of us!