I was very tired after a long hard day at work and by the time I'd found out about the villagers I had to make myself something to eat and drink then it was nearly time to go to bed because I had to get up early for work again the next day so I couldn't follow any of your suggestions - especially spending time getting them hunting mushrooms (although I've done that in the past - thanks anyway keza and tess) and I also forgot to pause the game before I turned off my computer so unfortunately they'd all died by the time I checked on them the next morning .