Mine are reasonably sociable, but generally only with me. the two i've had for 18 months (rum and raisin) don't like being handled (they were poorly handled and rescued by the rspca) but they love snuggling up my jumper and sit on my shoulders occaisionally. the other two i've only had for 4 months (ben and jerry) and aren't 100% used to me yet. they don't mind being picked up at all, but would much rather explore than play with me!!
is peanut an only degu or does he have friends? if he's single, it is probably helping his relationship with you!
I'd love to have that kind of reletionship with mine, and would love to have more time to spend with them doing this!!
You are very lucky!