Marie go on line with google. they will give you all the details, drying, size hole to drill for bird entry, size of hole to drill in the bottom for drainage, etc.

God Bless

http://www.amishgourds.com/site/1278922/page/448763

Hi - I am sure you will find the answers to your questions here - I thought I had posted back to you earlier but I guess I forgot to hit that confirmation button! You definitely need drainage holes! Like aj7731 said - if you do a google search you find tins of information.
I often just use shoe polish (brown or clear) to wax the outside of the gourd to protect it from the weather - that way I can repeat when necessary and not have to sand off an old finish. I have also used spar varnish - it is UV protected and lasts a long time.

I know you and your daughter will have fun together on this project and that you will probably get addicted to gourds!

Here is a link that might be useful: How to make a Gourd Birdhouse