I like to smoke my chickens in halves they cook more even and quicker. Thy are also more juicy.
Start with a 7-8 pound Bird.
Prep: unwrap, wash and cut chicken in half. Use meat scissors and cut out the back bone and split the breasts. Brine if you like for 1/2 an hour. Sprinkle rub of your choice on the halves.
Preheat Smoker 250 F. I use Cherry or apple wood chip. And smoke for about 4 1/2 hour at 250 F. I smoke the Chicken until its 170F internal. I double check by twisting drumstick. It should be able to twist will little effort.Your juices will be clear.