A teenager from Tamworth, Max Lye, may just hold the key to the classic debate of whether the chicken or the egg came first. This 14-year-old has nurtured a fascination for chickens since he was just two years old and aspires to establish his own egg farm in the future.
Residing on his family’s property in northern New South Wales, Max has launched a budding egg business named Max’s Cluckers. “My journey began at the age of two when my parents gifted me some chickens while we were living on a small farm with just five of them,” Max recounted. “As I grew older, my collection expanded, and now I have around 70 chickens.”
After 12 years of caring for his hens, Max has developed a solid understanding of their needs. He personally handles the feeding and maintenance of the chickens, reinvesting any earnings from egg sales back into his business.
“I have learned a lot about chickens—how to care for them and recognize when they are unwell or content,” he explained. “They are small, quiet creatures and easy to manage, which is part of what I enjoy about them.”
While he dedicates time to his studies with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, Max has been steadily increasing his egg production. In 2024, he sold his first carton of eggs when he had just 24 hens. Now, with a flock of 70, he collects around 35 eggs daily and is finding it challenging to meet the growing demand. “Every day, more people are asking for eggs,” he stated.
Among his customers is renowned chef Julie Goodwin, who became acquainted with Max while filming a cooking show at his aunt’s workplace in Tamworth. The chef needed eggs, and Max happened to be in the right place at the right time. “My aunt connected me with her, and after trying my eggs, she requested another dozen for a subsequent show,” he shared.
Max’s mother, Sam Lye, beams with pride as she observes her son’s dedication. “He has developed a true love for the chickens and is passionate about what he does,” Ms. Lye said. “We are incredibly proud of him because he does all the work himself; we hardly have to intervene. It’s rewarding to see his efforts blossom from such humble beginnings.”
Looking ahead, Max envisions a bright future for both his chickens and himself. “I aim to eventually own a farm, with egg production being one of the many ventures on it as I grow older,” he expressed. “Being outdoors and working with animals is what I cherish the most; I dream of becoming a veterinarian. I find it fascinating to learn about animals and their development.”
