Collecting eggs in the spring predates recorded history an farming. Part of the hunter gatherer lifestyle. Anyone raised the old way, back when everyone had free ranged hens sees sending the kids to find where the nests are in the spring the same way as cutting wood in the fall. Its what has to happen an what has always happened. If you ask the old timers why you hunt eggs in the spring(easter) they will tell you because thats when they are there. The idea of chickens laying all year an you having eggs all year is a new one.