The cell handling device includes a container having a section to store cells; a cell detection unit for detecting a cell stored in the section; a head device for conducting picking of cells, and transfer and release of the picked cells; a control unit; and a determination unit for making a determination of a cell state including at least one of the number, properties, and arrangement of the cells based on a detection result of the cell detection unit. The control unit causes the head device to execute, according to a state determination result obtained by the determination unit, one operation selected from among operation of picking all the cells stored in the section, operation of picking a part of the cells stored in the section, operation of picking a new cell and releasing the cell in the section, and operation of terminating processing of the section.