Females have two mammae. The preferred habitat of musk deer is forest and brushland at elevations of 2,600-3,600 meters. There was no evidence of any seasonal altitudinal movement in that region, though occasional migrations of 12-35 km have been reported for musk deer in Siberia. The diet consists of a variety of vegetation, such as grass, moss, and tender shoots. In winter, twigs, buds, and lichens are taken.
Musk deer are shy, timid, and generally solitary.
Almost never are more than two or three individuals found together. The number of offspring is usually one in M. chrysogaster but usually two in M. berezovskii and M. moschiferus. The young are spotted, are nearly full-grown at 6 months, and usually reach sexual maturity by about 18 months. Captives in China have lived up to 20 years. The substance obtained from the gland of the male is one of the musks used extensively in the manufacture of perfume, soap, and medicinal preparations.