Frisky degus

Question
Im the proud owner of two three year old degus, but they aren't very tame! I've had them since they were born, but they lived at my other house and I personally didn't hold them much but they were handled. Now they are living with me, but won't let me just hold them. They'll climb all over me and their claws are terribly sharp! I've seen other degus that just sit with their owner and like being snuggled. Mine don't do that! Is there anyway I can get them to cuddle with me and dull their nails?

Answer
While some folks might be comfortable clipping their nails, it would be easier for you at this point to let them run on a little concrete or sandpaper to file them down.  To get them more comfortable with you interacting close up, start by feeding them treats by hand.  If you get food that has the colored yummy bits, pull them out and feed them by hand.  Or you could hand feed them carrots, spinach, etc to get them used to coming to you and getting a close-up treat.  As they get comfortable taking things from you, put the treat in the palm of your hand.  They will eventually learn to climb up and get it.  After they are solidly used to doing that, try petting them while they get treats from your palm.  I don't know how you catch them when it's time to clean the cage, but chasing them around will also make them skittish with you.  Get a wide mouth jar (like an empty pickle jar# and let them climb in #quite curious critters) then transfer them to the holding space.  If they are in control, you'll have less tension.  It will get better in time, but if you have a little one who just is a 'touch me not' you'll just have to deal.  I have had some that were really snuggly, and others that even after handling from birth didn't seek out affection--just tolerated handling ok.
Good luck!