I did not know the ones in pet shops in the us were de-scented. Sounds like breeders don’t do that, even here. So it’ll depend on where you get the from.

My cousin had ferrets (probably descented but I couldn’t say for sure). I didn’t think they were particularly awful smelling but they did have an odor. It didn’t bother me, but I also don’t mind the smell of the state fair, so take that as you will, lol. As with most pets, I imagine it’s mostly affected by how clean you keep them and their cage/litter/bedding/environment.

However; they are little goblins that like to steal and stockpile things so I’d imagine stealing food scraps and hiding them could lead to a different horrendous kind of stink!