The moment a Northern Territory woman saw four chickens laying eggs on top of a sleeping possum

A woman has captured the moment four chickens laid eggs on a sleeping possum in the backyard of her holiday home.

Ms Kathy Allen was startled to see the possum relaxing in her chickens’ makeshift pen at her holiday home in the Northern Territory town of Humpty Doo.

She said four chickens took turns at laying eggs on top of the possum who seemed to enjoy the company. 

The possum has been a regular visitor for almost a month at her property and is usually found snuggled up among the chickens.

Ms Kathy Allen captured one of her chickens laying eggs on top of the sleeping possum

Ms Allen was startled when she made the discovery.

‘I was surprised and slightly jumped back. However, I sort of thought this must be slightly normal,’ she said.

‘Maybe chickens and possums just get along sometimes.’

‘I realised after finally sharing on social media that this is a huge shock to people.’

Ms Allen was surprised to see the possum at first and didn’t realise it was an unusual sight

She said the possum is getting along with the chickens really well and helps keep the eggs warm

Ms Allen went out to collect the eggs on Wednesday night when she saw the possum lazing in the chickens’ nest. 

‘It was incredible to see the possum relaxing and enjoying his time,’ she said.

The marsupial isn’t the only one benefiting from arrangement – Ms Allen’s family is also better off as the eggs are now ‘nicer and warmer’.

Her family is happy to share the space with the marsupial as he’s not causing any problems for their happy chickens and the animals are getting along really well – but she has to collect eggs in the dark now.

‘It’s funny as the possum sleeps during the day and then leaves at night for the chickens to lay more eggs,’ she said. 

The possum is mostly asleep during the day but leaves at night so the chickens can lay eggs