Ducks in a row

Apparently that's what one must do - get/keep one's ducks in a row.

But ducks are only in a row when they need to be - to safely enter or exit the water, to get from point A to point B quickly and without being eaten.

And they are only in a row when they are little and dependant on a parent for safety and to get to food - it's easier to keep an eye on a row than on a mob.
Once they are safe and once they don't need an adult for survival,  they are in anything but a row.