How many times in 1.8 have you spawned on a small Island in which you look around and there's nothing but water? This would be my 3rd time. It's not a bad thing, it's just interesting that I would spawn here….
Animals stopped spawning with me too, but I have a wheat farm on top of my building. Wheat allows you to live without having to eat the scarce animals.
I dont have a problem with islands , but animals dont spawn there , so my hunger bar will just go down until i die.