Hi, I have 3 parrots, and I too never want to take their free flying away from them, so I applaud you for that. I don't take my birds out as I feel as you do, not worth the risk. Make sure she has a uv light, leave the tv on, they do like to watch it. I also have a bird sitter DVD that loops and they enjoy that a few times a week, as well as kid tv shows.
I have found that my birds love their hanging buckets with bits of broken toys, treats, wooden beads, popsicle sticks etc., wrapped up tightly in scrap paper. They spend lots of time trying to chew the paper off. I would suggest that. Be careful, one of my greys is scared of the shiny metal hanging bucket, she is fine with the wooden one. It may take a while former to attempt to go near it, but once she does, it will occupy her for quite a while.
I also feel as you do about the vet, I don't think a vet visit is necessary, she may just be bored, and chewing her feathersmkeeps her busy. I also have a tag and she prefers parakeet size toys.........also, qtips are a favorite of my birds.