A baby echidna is recovering after an encounter with a flock of chickens in a Newcastle backyard.

The puggle arrived at Sydney's Taronga Zoo in early April after its run-in with the birds.

Hi mum: Taronga Wildlife Hospital supervisor Annabelle Sehlmeier with Bonsai, the baby echidna. Credit:Paul Fahy/Taronga Zoo

It was alone, dehydrated and had scratches across its belly and hind legs, Taronga Wildlife Hospital supervisor Annabelle Sehlmeier said.

Ms Sehlmeier has taken on the role of surrogate mum to the tiny creature, which is believed to be about four months old, providing it with around-the-clock care.