Scent Glands

Through research of numerous sources from veterinarian schools to breeders and 'pet' chinchilla sites, we have discovered there seems to be conflicting opinions as to whether a chinchilla has scent glands or not. We do know from personal experience that chins DO throw off a unique scent if they get nervous or would like to 'mark' an area. I think it has a slightly sweet musky smell, but I have also heard it described as smelling like burnt almonds. Either way, the smell is unique and it only lingers for a few seconds. We have had only a few chins that will throw off this scent. This seems to occur more often with chins that have not been handled very much or were handled inappropriately in their past. This scent is really not an issue, but we thought it was worth mentioning since there may be an occasion you experience it.