If you have other gourds, or squash they might have crossed. I have never had a cross that was bad though. I think the most concern with crossing is flavor, I don't eat gourds.

If the shells are hard, before frost, pick them and put them in a dry place that will not freeze. But no too hot and humid.

Then take the seed out in the spring.

I found an old birdhouse gourd that had to be 5 years old or more and the seeds still sprouted and done well.

They are both Lagenaria siceraria so you don't have to worry about them crossing with squash. They will cross with each other tho and could give you some interesting shapes and sizes. As for the seeds you can remove them anytime the gourd is mature. Need less cleaning tho if you wait until the gourd is completely dry. Both are edible as a substitute for summer squash.

Thank you both for responding! The gourds are drying on my back patio and I will get the seeds out in the Spring when I start making them into birdhouses!
Joann