It could have very easily been a faulty thermostat, temp gauge, or heating element malfunction. I always have a good laboratory grade mercury thermometer within the egg chamber of the incubator, when I use one, as a check on the system. Also make sure that it is classified as a full immersion type thermometer. They are considerably more accurate than any digital or electronic temp measurement device and will not malfunction. Temp guns are handy, but they are typically only accurate to within a couple of degrees at best. Good mercury lab thermometers will be accurate to within a few tenths of a degree.

Spinal deformities or kinks are usually associated with excessive incubation temps, especially if seen in more than one individual of a clutch. If the true temp of the incubator was just a few degrees higher than what you thought it was over the entire incubation period, you could easily have the outcome you experienced. It would be worth it to set up this incubator again for a dry run, monitor it closely, as see if you can spot the problem.

Kelly

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