To put my thoughts into your first concern, my juvie did that when she was smaller, she was frightened and your thoughts on it being a defense mechanism are most likely correct. Mine is a female so this isnt just a male trait if thats what you were thinking. Point is, when he does this, do not put him back in the enclosure or put him down, if he does it on you find a way to clean it up while your holding him, or just leave it for the time being, if you put him back this will most likely cause him to keep repeating this because he will "know" this is how to get away.
On the odor concern, what type of substrate are you using by chance? Have you noticed any mold growing? And are they using their pool as their toilet or land area? Should be using their pool but if they are using the land, im sure the odor will seep into the substrate to the point where you would have to change the whole bedding to get rid of the smell and do a thurough cleaning.

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