I forgot ask some important questions:
What was the cook temperature?
Was the skin dry when the bird was put in the pit?
I started at smoke for about ten minutes raised to 225 for another 20 and then raised to 355 to finish. I pulled at 163 and let the residual heat finish it to 165.
I always dry brine my whole chickens on top and under the skin with salt, pepper, paprika for 6 or more hours and some times overnight. Before putting on the grill I rubbed this one with a home made rub mixed with olive oil that I use for ribs and butts and then sprinkled it with more. I also rubbed just the meat with butter. Unlike many I remove the flame zone covers and use an aluminum foil pan add apple cider to the pan topped with a grill grate that I have. I place the bird on a chicken holder and go at it.