Squash first aid? Bird damage

[hamamelis]

Is there anything I can do to save a squash fruit? It's the only one that actually looks to be doing something on that vine, it was just starting to ripen, and it's been pecked at by some horrid feathery bleeder

There's only a tiny area of damage- pretty much a beak-shaped hole- but it's about half an inch deep, so I'm not sure what to do for the best. Is it likely to scab over, and still ripen properly, or should I cut my losses and the squash, and eat it now? It's my first even faintly successful go growing squash, and I've only got about 3 squish total that look like they're going to ripen properly, so I'd much rather keep it if possible, so is there anything I can do to help it not rot on the vine? It's a golden hubbard if that makes any difference.

Thanks for any suggestions (even if it is 'you can't save it, eat it now!)

[veggiechicken]

What about a sticking plaster? Just to seal the hole?

[Jamesy_uk]

What about a sticking plaster? Just to seal the hole?

I used candle wax before years ago on a pumpkin, dripped it into the hole.

[Jeanied]

They callous over pretty quickly - it should be fine. Just keep an eye out for mould.

[hamamelis]

Thanks- I might try the wax, as it's so wet lately! I think I have some beeswax somewhere...

[Rhona]

We've just left small areas of damage before. They have calloused over and carried on growing fine; but they were the first to start moulding in storage after about 2 months. I like the idea of patching them up though - never occurred to me before.