What is Free Time Really For?

I provide my birds with tons of free time out side of their cage and they have multiple play gyms, store bought and one home made. I am just genuinely curious what exactly the time out is for. It is a great opportunity to spend time with my little flock and them with me but what about when I am not there? Is the point just a change of scenery for them or should they actually be moving around and getting some exercise? The reason I am asking is because my birds just kinda sit when theyre out. They don't really play or move around or anything. I love letting them out and spending time with them but am I doing something wrong? Like are the toys and gyms im providing not interesting/stimulating enough for them or is there a health issue causing them to be lazy...

I dunno! I've wondered the same thing! LOL! My Beaks will have days where they'll just want to fly everywhere and exercise like mad. Other days, they'll just park on top of the TV (ours is on a bracket up near the ceiling) and nod off. I think the whole point is to let them out of the confines for spiritual freedom as much as physical freedom. Y'know?

When you think about it, a creature designed to have the entire sky as its domain is going to feel a bit hemmed-in by the tiny cages we keep them in. Relatively speaking, I mean. My Beaks are *always* ready to come out of the cage, so I guess the time out really matters to them. I don't see why it should be any different for a budgie.

On a different note: what's it like, keeping a Bourke Parrot? I've always admired them, but never took the plunge and got any. Do they make a good pet, or are they a bit standoffish? I've only ever seen them kept as aviary birds, but they look so sweet and would seem to be a cuddly little bird. Just wondering.

I also have a new cockatiel<3 And am fostering two lovebirds
The woman who had Birkie before me said that he was shy but would sit on her finger and loved her company. She was actually suppose to bring me the female who she said liked to snuggle against her neck but got them mixed up and I ended up with this little guy
I have had a really hard time getting him use to my hand. My budgies were much easier to hand tame and my Cockatiel, Ella, whom I just got today is already hanging out on my shoulder.
Honestly I think Birkie would be happier with more birds of his kind, and I don't think he really needs or enjoys my company. He is a beautiful bird though and wonderful to look at.. and his chirping is very pretty and quiet and he doesn't do a lot of it.

So yes I would say they are better off as aviary birds than pets!

Btw I really loved your answer
I bet you're right that just the feeling of freedom means a lot to them. My birds aren't 100% hand tamed and aren't super anxious to come out but once I do get them out I can tell they really enjoy it even if they are just sitting around snacking and whatnot.

I agree that creatures like birds just need to feel uncaged for a time. Sometimes you let them out, and they fly around like maniacs. Enjoying the freedom, exercise, and security of being in a safe environment. Other times they just want to sit and enjoy the unbridled expanse of being out of their cages. And yet other times, it's just great to sit by their flock leaders (us), and enjoy the psychic vibes of being loved and cared for. Ask someone who's been in prison about freedom.